Learning about Myself

"Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest one of all?"   Whenever I heard the Snow White story and the wicked queen repeating those words, I always thought that it was so vain to be obsessed with being the most beautiful in the land.   But, I realize that most women actually, in one way or another, do sometimes gauge our beauty in comparison to others; maybe because we live in a society that is so appearance-oriented.

I try to remind myself of Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." and also that true beauty comes from within, as a reflection of the beauty of our Creator.  But, there are times when it is a challenge to ignore the reaction of the world and what we are bombarded with in our media and culture.  It is at times like these that I need to focus on the TRUTH that comes from God's Word, remember that this is how God created me, and be grateful for the ways in which He has developed me and worked in me in areas beyond outward appearance.

As I was serving at COA last night and doing the food prep the night before, it was rewarding to do something to help others.   We fed about 150 people from around the downtown Long Beach community; and our youth pastor gave the message.  My prayer is that God will use this to touch these people's lives.  I think that this is an example of developing inner beauty as a reflection of God's love, compassion, and humility; while overlooking external beauty, being dressed in old sweats and working clothes.  In light of eternity, there is greater reward in seeking to become more and more like Christ, rather than seeking the approval and admiration of the world.

I do like learning about myself, and so when I came across a couple of websites this morning along those lines, I did the self-evaluations to see what they would reveal about me.    One was on the fragrance we wear - I learned that because I like citrus-type fragrances, that meant I was likely an "organized leader".   At this stage of my life, I suppose that is pretty applicable.   The other was the Dewey Color System test - because of the color combinations I like most, they indicate that I am (in this order):

• Blue-Purple: a big-picture thinker, and can see what's missing and know how to get things done
• Red-Purple: able to sort out facts from emotions and establish a step-by-step action plan, and am able to calm those around me and offer quick solutions
• Blue-Green:  best when I can anchor others with supportive suggestions, and have good listening skills with the ability to earn trust

 It's interesting that these don't exactly describe my career bents accurately; but, they do show me that with my current responsibilities, Blue-Purple and Red-Purple are now closer to what I do than Blue-Green, which would've been my favorite color combination in the past.  I suppose that shows growth and development in my life; and as always, I enjoy analysis which helps me to get to know myself better.