Driving home that day after work, I kept pondering the words of that email: "Russ, I am impressed with you." Catering to my ego, I replayed those words over and over in mind. It was such a good feeling to know that someone was impressed with me.

My waves of pride were interrupted by a gentle, quiet voice, "Russ, I am impressed with you."

Curiously, I thought, "Why would God be impressed with me? I'm far from perfect. I've failed him many times before. No, that can't be God."

But, the thought continued. I couldn't get those words out of my head. "I am impressed with you." I questioned God, "Why me? Why are you impressed with me? I haven't done anything worthy of your attention, let alone your accolades."

 I began to think about my son:
 	"Well, Caleb's the best swimmer in his class."
 	"You know, he can already kick that soccer ball."
 	"For a three-year-old, he can speak so well."
 

Yes, I was impressed with my son.

I realized then that it's not what he does that impresses me--it's who is. He is my child, my son, created in my image. I began to understand the gentle words of my Father. He was impressed with me for who I am, not what I do. I was his child, his son, created in his image.

Today, know that your Father is impressed with you. No matter what you have experienced or battled or overcome, God is impressed with you. You are his child, his joy, his prized possession. You are the apple of his eye, and he will care for you and keep you. You are special to God.

"He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye" (Deuteronomy 32:10b).

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
|  web:    http://www.season.org

© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission