HAVE TO OR GET TO? by Gail Rodgers

What do you love to do? Do you have to stop and think hard about it? In the face of all you have to do have you forgotten what it is you love to do?

God created YOU unique, special. When you were conceived, no matter the circumstances, His knitting needles began to knit you into just the person you are. Oh yes, you have been shaped by circumstances and people and life... yet deep inside is the treasure of YOU.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully make; Your works are wonderful..." (Psalm 139:13, 14).

Today think of all the "Have to" things on your list that need to get done. Now add one "Get to" thing... just for you. Something that will celebrate the unique creation you are in God's sight.

It doesn't matter that you aren't where you hope to one day be with your career, your relationships, your weight, or any number of markers on the wall that you have for yourself. Just celebrate you in some simple yet specific way.

Get some fresh flowers for yourself.
Sit outside and have a coffee break.
Go for lunch with a friend.
Buy a cheap kid's paint set and nurture that desire to paint.
Have ice cream!
Give yourself permission to take a nap.
Stop at a park on your way home and enjoy the green for even five minutes.

As nurturing women we can bury ourselves in the needs of others. One lady told me she didn't even know anymore what her dreams were. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. That's why He made you uniquely you, placed you in this time in life and in the circle you are in. The plans God has for you are things that will bring joy to your heart. They are "get to" things!

Start today and celebrate you. Ask God to begin to show you the "get to" things among the "have to" things.

His work is wonderful. That includes you. See yourself through His eyes today and celebrate!

~Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You see me as no one else does. You made me and You have said I am wonderful. Help me today to see myself as You do. Help me to celebrate me as I thank You. Help me to take some time for the " get to" things in my "have to" life and may I bring joy to You as I do. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.