If you know me, or even the slightest bit about me, you know that I love being outside.

It comforts me to feel the sun on my skin and the breeze in my hair. The beauty of it all just takes my breath away and makes me feel closer to God. 

It astonishes me how amazing plants and animals are, which has me thinking: if I can find beauty in those things, why can’t I see the beauty within me? I know God created me in his own image (Genesis 1:27) and that I am more important to Him than the flowers in the fields and the birds in the sky. For in Genesis it says that on the fourth day, when God created plants, He saw that it was good (1:12), but when God created Adam and Eve, He saw that it was very good (1:31).

So why do I have so much trouble seeing my own worth?

The truth is, I’m not sure. I’ll probably never know, but what I do know is that I can learn to love the way that God created me. I think it’s so cool that God “knit me together in my mother’s womb” and that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him (Psalms 139:13-14). 

I’ve realized that in spending more time in God’s creation, surrounded by the things that I find so beautiful, that I am beginning to see my own beauty. Finding that confidence has helped me achieve so much more than I have ever thought I could. 

I love riding my bike or walking in place of driving. It allows me to see all of the trees and plants as I make my way to my destination.

My challenge to you all is to go out and find what makes you see your beauty.

Once you find that something, make it a habit to incorporate it into your everyday routine. If it’s reading your Bible or a devotional, read more. If you find beauty in painting, paint more. Spend time with friends more if that brings you joy. If exercising is your thing, do more of that. As for me, I make it a priority to spend time outside every day. Whether that be walking to class instead of taking the bus or laying in my hammock, I make sure it’s in my schedule. 

Laying in my hammock is probably my favorite “outside activity” at the moment.

Find your “something” and take part in it. Not only does it help you see your worth, but it gives you the confidence to do more than you ever thought you could. Spending time outside has not only helped me feel better about myself, but it has strengthened my relationship with Christ, has helped me do better in school, and has helped with my social anxiety. For me, spending time outside is a form of self-care. Self-care is important and it shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s not just about face masks or drinking enough water (although those things are always nice). It’s about finding what makes you happy and what brings you peace. 

Referenced verses:

  • Genesis 1:27

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (NIV)

  • Genesis 1:12

“The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” (NIV)

  • Genesis 1:31

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day.” (NIV)

  • Psalms 139:13-14 (this is my all-time favorite verse 😊)

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (NIV)

 

Love,

Joy Bruecks

 

*These tips are specific to me and my life. Although they may work for the reader, I am not a professional in this area. These are merely suggestions that God has put in my heart through the study of scripture and through prayer and may or may not work for anyone. 

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