There is a recurring dream that I’ve had ever since I was a child. It’s not the same dream every time, but it seems to have a consistent theme - the theme that I am adored. The dream usually plays out like this. I’m in a room with a group of people and there’s a man there who thinks I’m amazing, talented, gifted, unique. In short, he only has as eyes for me. It’s a love I can’t express even with the word adore. It’s a love that leaves me feeling whole, complete, enough, desired and a million other words that are hard to express.
Last night, I had this same type of dream and when I woke up, I clearly remembered it. In the Psalms, David talks about how even at night his heart instructs him in the ways of God. I can’t help but feel that this dream is God’s way of teaching me something about myself: I am adored by Him - the One who is over all, and in all, and through all. He adores me. But the thing is, it’s not just me he adores. He adores you, too. Have you ever thought about that, the fact that you are adored by God? Before you brush that thought like a piece of dandruff off your shoulder, hear me out. My husband adores me. I’m sure of it. I can see it in the way he looks at me, smiles at me, hugs me. He’s happy I’m part of his life. The problem is that, though he has told me on several occasions how beautiful I am, how amazing I am, I’ve always kind of brushed his comments aside. It’s as if I don’t feel worthy of being adored. And that’s the problem with adoration, it’s easy to nudge aside those feelings that we are wanted and desired because we don’t feel we’re worthy of those things. But imagine, if we did - believe that we were desirable, adored. Imagine how that might change the way we think about ourselves, feel about ourselves. If we allowed that essential truth to consume our hearts and our minds, imagine how that would change us. Wouldn’t the world be a different place? I think that if I were to soak up my Father’s admiration for me, I wouldn’t be so afraid. I wouldn’t constantly beat myself up for what I feel are my shortcomings. I would be at peace. I would be at rest. I would live lavishly in love. I have a cat. No, I’m not a crazy cat lady, but she is very special to me. You might say, I adore her. You wouldn’t be far from the truth. Her name is Molly and she’s a black and white beauty with just a touch of pink in her nose and on her paws. She’s adorable. What’s more, I think she adores me. She purrs when I pet her. She snuggles up to me in bed each night and “hugs” me with her paw. She’s happy with me. It leaves me wondering, why don’t I allow myself to experience the adoration my Father has for me. How about you? Do you know that you are adored? More than that, do you live like you are adored? The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. The amazing part of this story? God’s love for us is perfect. When we live in it, we really have nothing to fear. Not life. Not death. Not the future. Not our mistakes, and sins, and shortcomings. None of it can separate us from a Father who adores us. Take time in your life to be adored. Soak it up when your spouse or child gives you a hug for being you, or when your friend sends you a card letting you know how much you mean to them. Even when your favorite pet cuddles up to you, it’s a chance to experience what it’s like to be adored. Then remember, for all you are adored in this life by your people, in your circle of influence, you are completely and utterly adored by a God in heaven who is for you and not against you. In that knowledge, find peace, and hope and life. |