I have a problem with someone. It is not someone else who I am complaining about, it is me.

I am so busy criticizing myself that I don’t rejoice in the uniqueness of what God created when He created me.

I, by nature, am excessively joyful. I have been that way since I was a little girl. I remember waking up on the farm and being thrilled to get up, do my chores and then go out to play. I was never bored.

As I got older I realized that my joy made me different than most people. Most people are not that joyful. They complain and criticize, judge and demean others. As they do this they decrease the joy not only in their hearts but in the hearts of others.

My friend, Erica, gave me a Christmas gift this year which has become so important to me that I regard it as a precious gem.

It is a devotional by Sarah Young. The name of the devotional is “Jesus Calling.”

In my reading this morning I realized how much I transgress against God when I criticize myself. He is the one who created me and He created me to do His will and to be His servant.

He did not create me to condemn myself.

Even with my difficulties with ADHD and the continual struggle I have to become more organized I should rejoice and be thankful.

I should not seek the approval of others and wallow in criticism of myself because I do not measure up to their standards. I should instead draw near to the Spirit of God and allow that to guide my day and my task list. Rejoicing even in the tasks which remain on the list day after day.

For if God’s spirit is within me am I not judging Him also if I judge and condemn myself?