In my art class whenever we show a piece of work ,which we have just completed, to the class, most of us are a little self critical, a"well this is it but its not very good.." type of approach. I mention this because the art tutor will always respond with " whose voice is on your shoulder telling you that, your old art teacher, your parents ?"

It sticks with me because we are are often very down on ourselves in all sorts of things and especially when we come before God. It is easy to feel useless or worthless, inadequate compared to others we see but whose voice is it we hear telling us that? Certainly not God's.

God's love for each one of us is not earned or enhanced by how much of a success we are, it is gifted to us, and though we may not feel we add up to much, it is important to be reminded that God loves us, whatever the voices on our shoulder might whisper.

  "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him"
Luke 15 vs 20