The first time I knew there was an Ellie Gustafson was when she sent a copy of one of her novels and asked if I would read it. It sat on my book pile for several months until I finally picked it up and began to read An Unpresentable Glory. Then I couldn’t put it down. It is an extraordinary love story. Ellie lives in New England and is an amazing writer, a minister’s wife, teacher, musician, writer, encourager, loves horses, building houses, tree farming and making maple syrup. And she’s agreed to share a guest blog with us this week. Enjoy.

                     Nancy                                                     Ellie

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I was young, my best friend, Nancy, had blue eyes and was very pretty. As I grew and assessed my developing body and social abilities, I realized that, unlike Nancy, I would never be accepted by the “in” crowd. My only date in high school was my horse friend, Joe, taking me to a prom—out of pity? I was smart, though, and my spiritual sense precluded my even wanting to run with the “innies,” but I still felt left out. My senior year, however, turned great. I had grown comfortable with who I was, got along with boys and attractive girls. As a result, my scholastic efforts got fertilized by these new social skills, and I ended up as valedictorian, topping the boy who had consistently edged me out. I never forgave myself for that. NOT FAIR!

    Jeremiah 9:26 says:
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
    or the strong boast of their strength
    or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this…
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”

Stephen Hawking

declares the Lord.

Who’s the world’s smartest guy? Cosmologist Stephen Hawking was way up there.

Hafthor (Thor) Bjornsson

The strongest man? Just last Saturday, Hafthor Bjornsson of Iceland, set a new world record by deadlifting 1104  lbs.

Bill Gates

 

The richest man? Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, worth $110 billion

 

The wise, the strong, the rich.

Back to Jeremiah’s boast. As I learned to fit into the body and brains given me by God, my looks, my standing in the crowd, even my intelligence, became far less important than knowing the One who is kind, just and righteous.

I learned, too—from my own experience—that really smart people can do really stupid things—knowledge that has proven both valuable and humbling.

What became of “best friend” Nancy? Though we remained friends—she was a bridesmaid in my wedding—her life turned sour. We did reconnect before she died, and I told her of my hope in God.

“I delight and will boast in the Lord my God.”

How do YOU measure your value—in the world at large, and in God’s eyes? Comment below, or email egus@me.com