Lord,
When you and I look at me
we see two very different people.

I see myself
as weak, flawed,
inadequate, afraid.

Where I see weakness,
you see someone
who has the strength to do
what I need to do
because each day you give to me
the strength that I need.

Where I see myself as flawed,
you see me
as a wonderful human being,
someone who is precious to you,
to be treasured
and who is necessarily flawed
because that is part
of the human blue-print.

Where I see myself as inadequate,
you see me as a real tryer,
someone who is persistent
and determined to forge ahead each day
with your help.

Where I see myself as afraid,
you see me as someone
scarred by a childhood
of constant criticism.
You give to me
the gift of being a child again
in your presence
and you offer me the opportunity
to be filled to overflowing
with your love,
a love that can heal
those scars.

You don’t just focus on the flaws
like I do.
You see all of me,
the whole person
and in doing so
you see me
as a cause for celebration.

Help me, Lord,
to see myself
through your eyes.

© Claire Murray