I love this time of year – pumpkins, bonfires, crisp air, cinnamon and nutmeg…too many soul-refreshers for just one to be chosen. All around us, the world just seems fresher, more alive and vibrant. The best of what can happen seems more possible. And life is filled with reminders of God’s love sprinkled through each and every refreshing moment.
For me, these love reminders begin with the choosing of a pumpkin…or two.
I don’t rush the process because finding the perfect pumpkin takes time. And perfect for me doesn’t mean free of blemishes or uniform in shape and size. I’m looking for the kind that’s going to remind me all season long of one simple, refreshing truth.
I’m looking for the kind with scars and bumps and dents. With deep ribs and visible character marks that show a story of surviving and thriving. The kind that bears a stem tall and strong, (un)weathered by the storms and hardships of growing.
Because I know this is my story. And it’s probably your story too.
One marred by disappointment. Bruised by pain. Wounded by hurt. A story where our significance is challenged and our worth is questioned because we’ve failed to meet the world’s expectations…or even our own. Ours is often a story that rarely includes the word “perfect” or “chosen.”
Yet in this state of marring, bruising and wounding, we are made beautifully perfect by an unlikely choosing. A choosing by One who is perfect.
One who draws us to open our hearts to unconditional love.
One who reassures us to release our hands of empty striving.
One who invites us to exchange our brokenness for mending.
God doesn’t choose us because we're perfect, but because we are beautifully imperfect. Share on XChosen brings us face to face with a truth that overwhelms.
The truth that regardless of how broken or flawed or wounded, we are still accepted. In spite of our choices, we are still loved. And no matter where we’ve been, we still have a purpose and a future.
Chosen gives us permission to let go of perfect and live confident and content.
Knowing that all of our story will be transformed. Our dinged and dented exterior will be overshadowed by the radiant light of healing. The kind that discards the trap of comparisons and welcomes authentic, soulful community.
Chosen offers hope that every storm and trial of this life will not break us.
Because our hope is in what’s to come. We no longer fear the weathering but stand strong and tall, knowing we will not be overtaken or overthrown. Fear no longer threatens to dismantle this hope because it’s anchored in the One who chose and continues to choose US.
So as we all venture out in search of the perfect pumpkins to decorate our doorsteps, porches and tabletops, let’s let go of perfect. Let’s embrace the scars and dents and remind ourselves that these imperfections are a necessary attribute of being chosen. Instead of looking for the one void of blemishes, let’s decide to celebrate the endearing quality and significance they bring.
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the people on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 7:6
Let’s look for the one that bears a tall, strong stem, deep ribs and character marks.
And let’s reflect on this simple act of choosing as a profound hope-filled reminder…
That we are loved and accepted and perfectly CHOSEN!
