I didn’t need to prove my worth

I began to see why a simple to-do list could feel so heavy. It seemed like my value was tied to the tasks and my performance of them.

One morning, After writing my to-do list for the day, I sighed and thought, “I’m going to need a nap today.” Then I had to laugh. I’d slept well the night before, so why did I think I wouldn’t have the energy to get everything done? 

As a practicing Christian Scientist, I decided to think more deeply about this question. I’ve found it helpful to examine my thoughts each day and ask myself if they align with what I know about God. 

The starting point in my prayers is always this: “God is love” (I John 4:16). God, divine Love, doesn’t measure our worth by what we accomplish, because Love gives us our worth. It is a constant. I realized I had been wearing myself down with the belief that I had to earn God’s favor, as though divine Love operates like anxious human thinking—dwelling on pressure, merit, and conditional approval. But since Love is infinite, how could I possibly make Love love me more?

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Open arms of thought
What is your authentic self?
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