That's What I Like About You

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14

Write31Days writing prompt says: " ten things you like about yourself".  To date this is the hardest to think and write about.  I would venture to say that most of us when asked this question would feel a bit uncomfortable.  It makes us feel as if we are singing our own praises. On the other hand, if we were asked things we DON'T like about ourselves we can produce a litany that could fill a whole notebook. But when phrased in a different way (as in job interview way - "what are your strengths?") this question is a bit more palatable and easier to write or talk about. This is how I'm approaching this question.

Like everyone else it is easier for me to find fault in myself than extol my virtues.  The more I pondered this question the more I realized that there is no room for false modesty for someone who is truly seeking self-knowledge.  The task of looking into the depths of who we are - the good, the bad, and the ugly - is something that is necessary if we are really to live the way God intended us to live (setting the world on fire ala St. Catherine of Sienna).  Finding the good in ourselves is also recognizing the goodness of God who made us (hence the above quoted Scripture verse).

So without further ado here are ten things that I consider my strengths:

• Resiliency - having moved to North America as an adult, adapting to it's culture(s) and quirks, marrying a man who is so different from who I am culturally is not for the faint of heart
• I can cook - with or without a recipe, with my eyes closed, in my sleep (okay not really in my sleep lol).  No one goes hungry around me as long as there is rice!
• Good listener - for the most part, except for when I tune out the complaints and the whining, my ears are a no-whining zone
• I'm fairly organized -  or at least I have the ability to classify things and put them in a manner that is neat and orderly.  Now what's questionable are the people around me who have the amazing ability to undo what I just organized.  Welcome to the life of a big family.
• I'm good at giving people the benefit of the doubt - I think in a world where we are quick to judge and be judged especially behind the anonymity of a keyboard or touch screen, giving people the benefit of the doubt is going to become a lost art. 
• Persevering (or is that persistent? lol) 
• Optimistic (to a fault!)
• Fun - at least I would like to think so
• Calm - because when you have five children you can't always sweat the small stuff
• Generous (also to a fault)

 What are your strengths, what do you like about yourself?
 Now go and visit my friends who are keeping me company in this writing adventure this month - Autumn, Nicole, Barb, and Christine.

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