Oh, It Is Wonderful!

About 15 years ago, I remember having a conversation with one of my husband's younger brothers.  He had just returned from a date, and we were talking about the girl he went out with.  "Is she pretty?", I asked.  "Well, she's sort of plain, like you."  My heart dropped a little.  I remember feeling so sad that someone would see me as "plain".  I didn't want to be plain.  I wanted to be pretty.  I wanted this 16 year old kid to think I was great - not plain!  As time has gone by, however, I've grown accustomed to - even grateful - for my plainness.  Do I sometimes wish I looked different?  Of course!  I know that I have a few pounds to lose.  I know that I could spend more time on my makeup and hair.  I don't feel ugly, mind you.  Just not stunningly beautiful, like some people I know or have seen.  (I'm not fishing for compliments here, I promise.)  I'm quite average, which is ok with me most of the time.

©Darrell Wyatt

I love this picture that my dad took.  It kind of captures how I feel some days - a little disheveled, and maybe a little disoriented.  I think we can all relate.  All of us, even the most stunningly beautiful, feel pretty average sometimes.

When I was reading this morning, I came across a verse that was so very comforting!

Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands...

Jesus Christ knows me!  He knows my name.  To him, I am not average.  I am not plain.  When I feel lost in a sea of people, He sees me.  He suffered for my sins.  He died for me. 

This reminds me of one of my favorite LDS hymns:

Lyrics

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me!

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine
That he should extend his great love unto such as I
Sufficient to own, to redeem and to justify

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me!

I think of his hands, pierced and bleeding to pay my debt
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet

Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me!

How grateful I am for the sacrifice of my Savior.  For his love for me.  For the reminder that to Him I am not plain or ordinary or average, and He has "graven [me] upon the palms of [his] hands".

Click here to read what I read today: Chapter 20

Click here to read what I read today: Chapter 21

Click here to read what I read today: Chapter 22