I am not the best writer. I’m not the best teacher. I’m not the best wife or mom or friend, either, for that matter. As much as I love all of these roles, there are LOTS of other people who write, teach, wife, mom, and friend WAY better than I do.

Even though that is pretty obvious, I think sometimes we beat ourselves up over the fact that we’re not the best. Sometimes, we even refuse to try something new because there are so many others who do it better.

The Choir teacher at my school has a poster that says…

So true!

We are so quick to sing our failures: “I’m not a very good athlete – why bother trying out for the team?” “I can’t audition for the musical. There are SO many singers better than me.” “Why even apply for that college? They wouldn’t let me in.”

So we miss out on opportunities just because we aren’t “the best.”

Forget being “the” best. Focus instead on being YOUR best. Maybe you’re not the pitcher on your softball team. That’s all right. Be the best outfielder you can be! Maybe you get a part in the ensemble and not a lead in the musical — that can actually be more fun! Enjoy it! And write the best college application essay you can write. Even if you don’t get in every school you apply for, at least you know you gave your best in applying. Trust that God even works through our weaknesses to get us where He wants us.

Being “the best” is overrated, girls. Being YOUR best is much more satisfying and far more attainable.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” ~Col. 3:23