Still Valuable

I found another penny today. and I think it holds some lessons for me.

As I was walking, I happened to look down and see it. Because of how damaged it is, I almost didn't. But, I'm glad I did.

This penny has a history. So do I. At times, I feel all banged up. I think that's how I've been feeling lately. Here I am, supposed to be going on this mission trip, and I'm not all shiny and new. Rather, I'm feeling banged up and dirty. A lot like this penny.

And I think, "How can God use a dirty, sinful mess like me?" And then I find this penny, so dirty and darkened and scratched up that you can barely tell it's a penny at all. But I see what's beneath all that. I see what it truly is. And God sees who I truly am. He sees beneath my dirt and scars and sees what I can't.

One wouldn't think so, but this penny still has value. If I were to hand it to a cashier, it would be accepted. I think I'm like this penny. I'm scarred, scratched, darkened, and filthy beyond recognition, but I'm still valuable to Christ. And it's not because of anything I can do myself. It's because of His grace and mercy and love that I have any worth at all.

I'm so thankful that He treasures this filthy mess that's me, and can use me in spite of me.