Nothing raises anxiety quite like a schoolyard pick. Thoughts race through our minds: “Please God, don’t let her pick me,” or “I don’t want to be on his team.” Worst of all is the thought that we might be the last one standing there, alone, unwanted.

As we wait to be picked, our self consciousness meter rises to alarming levels. Too often we assign hidden meanings to the whims of others and allow self doubt to creep in. Nobody likes to feel like an afterthought, only chosen when the person picking is out of options.

With God there are no afterthoughts. God doesn’t take the “wait and see” approach, only to draft the best player available. God chooses us all to be part of God’s family. We were chosen before the creation of the world! God adopts us because of God’s love! Emmanuel — God with us — means the assurance that we are never alone. God chooses to be in relationship with us. Good news like that deserves a #blessed!

By Neil Myer from D365