I recently overheard a woman talk about her “too skinny legs,” and how skinny jeans look strange on her. I stopped listening when I heard her say, “at least I look better than those who shouldn’t wear them.”
Wait. What?? Who shouldn’t wear them??
This woman didn’t know me, she probably didn’t know I was listening, and she certainly didn’t know I have four pairs of skinny jeans in my closet. I like wearing them, yet I questioned myself, “Am I one that shouldn’t? A mid-40’s mom of two almost-grown kids? A wife who’s been married for 22 years? Who’s not a size 2?”
My legs will never be as skinny as that girl’s. Never. I can work out ’till the cows come home, and they’ll never get there. God made us different, and maybe for the first time in my life, I’m okay with that.
These legs pedaled 320 miles in five days with my husband on the back of a tandem bicycle across the state of Iowa this summer. These legs allow me to walk, jog, work out with weights. They carry this body of mine to where it needs to go. They allow me to stand at work, sit at my laptop, kneel to pray, and goodness, so much more.
For as long as I remember, I’ve disliked my legs, but putting it all in perspective, I am thankful God gave me the ones He did.
It sounded as if this girl wasn’t happy with her legs either. They were “too skinny.” (I insert eye-roll here.) You might have something about your body that you don’t particularly care for as well. It would be the first thing you’d change if you could. It’s also the first thing you notice about other women. And unfortunately, the first thing you tear yourself up about.
Yes, I’m speaking from personal experience.
What if, instead of seeing the negative in that part that you dislike, you began to see the gift that it is? Notice all the things you can do because of it. Imagine your life without it.
How different my life would be if my legs didn’t work well, or I didn’t have any at all. Some people, deal with that daily. Shame on me for wishing I had different ones. How must that make God feel?? At times I must seem pretty unappreciative to Him!
As I wrote in yesterday’s post, God made us each beautifully different. It’s time to see ourselves as the unique and beautiful creations we are!
May today be a turning point in our thinking. May we be thankful for the bodies God gave us!
(Every part of them!)
I still don’t have the answer about wearing skinny jeans, and “who shouldn’t,” but as I’ll be wearing mine this fall, I’ll also be thanking God for the legs He gave me!
You are beautiful, my friend!
Julie
It’s Woman to Woman Wednesday #W2W, where we encourage each other in our journeys in life and with our Creator. We can celebrate who He made us to be today! I am celebrating you! Would you share your thoughts below and encourage another on her path? We’re in this together, friend. No doubt about it!
Linking up today with Three Word Wednesday, Woman2Woman and Coffee For Your Heart.
Hey Julie! I love this: “I can work out ’till the cows come home, and they’ll never get there. God made us different…” This is a great post about something so many of us struggle with. Thanks for being so genuine.
Hi Betsy! It’s something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember, but remembering God made us all different, helps me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. Your words always bless me! Have a great day, friend!
Amen! Gratitude is liberating! Thank you for the reminder to cherish how He made me. Beautiful post!
Thank you, Karen! I appreciate you stopping in and sharing. Have a beautiful day!
Ugh! How often I’ve been the woman looking in the mirror and cringing after honestly encouraging others with their own struggles with how they look. “It’s time to see ourselves as the unique and beautiful creations we are!” Unique. I love that! Now, I just need to embrace that uniqueness! Thanks, Julie, for addressing this today.
Yes, embracing that uniqueness can be the hardest thing. I needed this reminder, and I imagine God will continue to put it in front of me until I embrace it! Thanks for sharing here, Sabra. I appreciate you more than you know!
This post makes me smile! 😀 I have also always disliked my legs…especially my knees. How silly is that? I don’t wear shorts in public if can help it and opt for long skirts and capris. I bought my first pair of “skinny jeans” last year and still am not sure they are what needs to be on these legs. 😛 I appreciate the reminder that I need to consider all these legs can do and have done and should be doing in Jesus name. Love your insights, Julie!! You are such a fun girlfriend to have in this online world. xoxo
Thank you, Meredith. You’re a fun girlfriend to have too! So glad God crossed our journeys! Wear those skinny jeans, girl! For God’s glory in who He made you! 🙂 Thanks for sharing here and for hosting Woman2Woman each week! Blessings to you across the miles!
I think women are their own worst critics. It doesn’t matter if you’re skinny or plus sized, we all find something we wish we could change. Thank you for this lovely reminder that God created us the way we are on purpose, and we should truly marvel at the work he has done!
I agree with you, Abby. We don’t have to look too far to be critical of ourselves. I need this reminder daily! Thanks for stopping by, friend!
I’m so glad p…e…r…s…p…e…c…t…i…v…e…comes in all shapes and sizes! You go girl!
Thanks for the great reminder Julie. Great blog post!
Smiles, BRC
Thanks, Beth! And yes, perspective does come in all shapes and sizes! Great thought on that! I appreciate you stopping in. Blessings on your Sunday!
Acceptance of reality thru the lenses of truth (God’s word) brings life changing peace. You have brighten my day. Thanks Julie.
You’re absolutely right, Mary. Life changing peace! Thanks for sharing your words here! Bless you.