“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson from A Return to Love
Sometimes we need reminders of how far we’ve come. Not only have I traveled a great distance to the state of Connecticut, but I’ve also grown in so many other ways in the past few months, let alone years. It wasn’t until tonight that I truly realized how much.
I started a new job in the summer of 2004 with an acquaintance I remembered only vaguely from my teenage years. Funny thing was, neither he nor I were looking for full-time permanent work, but our temporary job turned out to be a three year long position and the beginning of a new career for both of us.
By the time I started that job, I was angry at the world and very bitter in general. I had very little self esteem and I didn’t understand what qualities I possessed or what others saw in me. I did not value or even love myself. God knew all this and brought me to a place where I could be healed.
Through this rekindled friendship, I slowly began to work on becoming the person I am today. My friend would always know what to say and would give me words of encouragement. I looked forward to these life lessons and especially loved the nickname, Grasshopper, he used when he was trying to teach me something. He actually sent me this Marianne Williamson quote in 2004 and I had all but forgotten about it until I ran across it tonight. I don't think I truly understood what he wanted me to get out of it until now. Only when you learn to love yourself do you begin to realize and see all that God is doing in your life.
I am so proud of who I am today. I acknowledge my flaws, but I also now see my many gifts too. It's not always easy and I do have my moments, but I don't think I would be the person I am today without my dear friend, Shannon. So, here's to you Shannon! Watch me shine because this Grasshopper has grown!
~Sarah E. Rose~
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