First impressions. Oh boy.
Walking down to registration, I glanced over and saw my reflection in the window of a car and was caught off guard by my appearance. Looking down, I shook my head and started semi-freaking out.
Here I was, trying to make a good first impression, but I honestly didn’t know whom I was introducing myself as. I mean seriously. I chopped off all my hair, I was wearing a guy tank top, soccer shorts, Chacos, no makeup. I was self-conscious of my appearance, completely out of my element, and I had no idea how people were going to receive me.
At Training Camp, I was the dirtiest and most vulnerable I have ever been in my entire life. I’m talking days without showers, wearing the same shorts the entire week, and no barriers to the innermost parts of my soul.
But in that week, I never felt so beautiful, accepted, and loved.
Not only that, but I got to see through God’s lens how beautiful and incredible my squad mates are too.
A part of the reason was that we weren’t hiding behind layers of makeup, great clothes, or perfectly done hair. I was able to see the raw beauty of my squad mates. All their beautiful imperfections, the way God created them in His image. Their amazing personalities shone through and magnified their physical beauty.
Another reason was that I didn’t have access to a mirror for most of the entire week. I didn’t have the chance to look at myself and degrade myself every time I looked in the mirror. (Still working on thinking beautiful thoughts about myself!)
So instead of focusing so much on the imperfections of my physical beauty, I came to love myself and grow in confidence in whom God created me to be.
In addition, we broke down our internal barriers and were our unique selves. I felt safe being my quirky self all the time, knowing that I was loved and accepted just for who I am, rather than who I think people want me to be.
My week at Training Camp changed my perspective on beauty forever. Just one of the many things I’ve witnessed and experienced this past week.
So my challenge for you today is to look past the superficial beauty and see the raw beauty that emanates from deep within each person.
You’ll be amazed to see how truly beautiful and precious each person is in this world.
