Build-a-Bear

This week is special time with my nieces and nephews...and today was Build-a-Bear! We walked in and Jenna picked out a "bear"...well actually she picked out a cat. Once you pick it a critter you then take it to the stuffing machine. You then hand your bear over to the attendant and he/she opens up the back of the bear and ask the child...Do you want your bear to be hard, medium or soft? The attendant then puts a tube in its back and ask the child to step on a peddle. Once the child steps on the peddle stuffing begins to pour into the bear...the attendant then moves the bear around and makes sure stuffing gets in each part of the body. Once the bear is stuffed with the right amount of filling the child then picks out a heart to put into the bear. The attendant tells the child to rub the heart in your hand...because no one wants a cold heart. Then take the heart and rub it in your check...to get your beauty. Then hold the heart, close your eyes and make a wish. Once all of that is complete you then put the heart inside the bear. The attendant then cinches the thread that closes up the hole in the bears back. He/she then ties it closed and hands you the bear. The child then takes the bear over to shower and washes the bear. (not really it is just air blowing through a shower head). You go and pick out an outfit for your bear before you get to name it. Once you find some clothes you then get to give the bear a name. Once you finish all of that, you then take it to the register and pay for it all. The cashier then gives you a house (box) that you take your bear home in.
Of course as I was going through this journey of finding the perfect bear and of course comparing it to how God sees us.
God goes and picks out the perfect critter. YOU. He then opens you up and begins to stuff you. He begins to fill you. He makes sure each part of you has the right amount. He takes your heart, holds it in hands and rubs His hands together. He takes your heart and rubs it against His face because He wants to know you personally and intimately. He then puts your heart back into you and closes you up. He takes you to the shower of His mercy and grace and washes you clean. He then lets you decide what clothes you want to wear. You choose who you want to be at this point. He then gives you a name and claims you as His own. You belong to Him. He paid the ultimate price for you. You now have a very special place in His heart because He chose you, filled you and claimed you.
You are priceless in His eyes. Every time He looks at you He remembers the work that went into getting you to this point. He displays you as the beautiful creation you are.
I want you to think about yourself like this and NEVER undervalue your worth again!!!

Captured by Grace,
-D