“Come on, Jessica, yolo!” My younger sister pleaded, convincing me that I should go to the water park that day, because indeed, “you only live once.” So I went, and what did the “yolo” sentiment (you only live once) get me? Further behind in things I needed to do that day, plus a nasty set of sunburn blisters. Yes, I should have used more sunscreen than I did, but those blisters are a reminder to me that being the best version of myself does not come from the acronyms yolo or fomo (fear of missing out). The best version of myself comes from Jesus' work on the cross, and the beautiful fact that he sees what I can be: not a set of painful blisters, but a bold, confident writer and Christ-follower who is pleasing to him.
I have been struggling lately. Some hard questions have been on my mind as I’ve tried to find God’s best in a certain situation. Sometimes fear of missing out makes it tempting to go back on some promises I made to God. Today as I prayed, I was reminded that Jesus’ love is unconditional and he does not abandon me when I have hard questions. Instead, his continued love makes my love for him stronger. Because of this love, I can indeed be the best version of myself as I choose his ways and not my own.
Dear Father, thank you that I do not have to let the acronyms yolo and fomo rule my life, but I can let your love for me be my primary motivation.
Throughout this day: What decisions can you make today to be the best version of yourself in Christ? Here is a song about being the best you can be: a blessing. John Waller - The Blessing
Photo Credit: Volodymyr Leush