Valuable Beyond Measure

Lots to Learn

I still have a lot to learn in life.

Up until today, I didn’t know anything about horse racing.

But I just learned that some horse races do what is called “handicapping” horses to try to make the race more competitive. They add more weight to horses that are deemed more talented (because of the races they’ve won and other accomplishments). And they add less weight to horses that aren’t judged to be as talented. The idea is to even the odds. I guess to make the race “closer” and more exciting.

I’m not judging people involved in horse racing. It’s not my place to do that.

But I have to tell you, the idea of any living thing being purposely hindered or blocked from their best chance at success strikes at my sense of fairness.

And I know I won’t watch another horse race with the same joy as when I thought the best horse would win.

What Hinders Us

I’m thankful we don’t do that to humans who compete. I can’t imagine a top runner would willingly strap on a hundred-pound backpack because I was in the race and the organizers were trying to even the odds.

I’m even more grateful most things in life aren’t a competition.

We’re all weighted down in ways. Perhaps it’s a physical limitation of some kind, or emotional distress because of a tragic event.

But the lies we believe are among the most destructive hindrances that can keep us from our best chance for success:

— Sometimes the lies were hammered into us by people who told us we weren’t talented or pretty or smart or worth anything.

— Or the lies we don’t even realize we believe. Like not pursuing an interesting activity or opportunity because we subconsciously believe we can’t.

The list of lies we believe could fill pages.

The Reality of Value

The simple fact is, every human:

— Is more talented in some areas than others. If a person doesn’t use their talents to benefit the rest of the world, we all lose out on the beauty and joy and value those talents would bring.

— Is a wonderfully complex and uniquely beautiful person. There’s nobody else like you – and God created you to be exactly who He wanted you to be. The world needs you to do what God designed you to do.

— Brings a perspective and knowledge and intelligence that nobody else can bring to humanity. The world is “handicapped” without your goodness, and our chance at mutual success is diminished.

— Is so valuable, that Jesus paid EVERYTHING so we could have an eternal, loving relationship with God in heaven. He doesn’t want to be separated from any of us.

What I Have Learned

I still have a lot to learn in life.

I may not understand the talents, or perceive the scope of the beauty, or agree with the perspective of everyone. But I do know that every person is valuable beyond measure.

What have you learned that helps you value others?

Valuable Beyond Measure – What helps you value others? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.