If you live in Southern California you’ve probably seen cosmetic surgery billboards. I’m not going to get into a discussion about this procedure…the only reason I mention it is because I’ve been thinking a lot today about the non-physical things I wish I could fix about myself with a cut here or there.

There are things in my personality that make me cringe and I think, “Life would be so much easier if only that were gone/different/better.” I get frustrated about it for a couple of days, maybe even a month, and then I move on. I’m looking for a quick fix because I get easily distracted and get tired of waiting for results.

Today I was reminded by a blog I follow that my focus shouldn’t be removing those parts of myself, but instead allowing God to work in me to bring me nearer to what He intended me to be. Psalms 139 assures me that God formed my inner being and knew me in my unformed state. He skillfully wrought me and all my days are already written in His book.

The things about my personality that frustrate and discourage me don’t surprise God. He’s not surprised, but He does want to work in me so that those things become blessings to others and tools for His kingdom.

So, instead of editing myself I need to hand the red pen over to God and realize that He won’t get distracted or tired of waiting for results. He is able to work a change in me that is more permanent than the quick fix I’m looking for. This trust in His loving ability to bring about a change for good in my life is what makes me not only willing but eager to hand over that editing tool to Him.