More from Jeannie Pagni Smith

When I found out that a second meditation of mine would be published in The Upper Room (the first was in 2004), I was thrilled. Some time later I began to think, Why would I want to reveal my embarrassing skin problems?  Why would I want to call attention to them?

As a child in first grade, I remember warts appearing on my hands. I continued to have other skin afflictions pop up with the worst being in college when skin tags appeared on the center of each of my eyelids. As a result I avoided looking down when others were around.  After confiding my woes to a trusted adult, I had my first medical intervention for the problem. Even now I am sometimes uncomfortable with my skin condition at the pool where I do water aerobics most days.

I think I chose to write about this because since I’ve endured feelings of being less worthy because of this problem. I want to encourage others with troubling concerns that we don’t have to worry that God cares less for us because of our conditions. It was also a tribute to my doctors who were so kind to find good things about my body and not concentrate solely on some of my negative skin qualities.

Some ways I like to keep fit are swimming, walking, biking, and hiking—as seen in this photo of me at Estes Park in Colorado. These activities strengthen me both physically and spiritually.

Again, I’m so grateful to be a part of The Upper Room meditation contributors. I have been a daily reader of this wonderful source of inspiration for over fifty years. It uplifts me on a daily basis. I love hearing other people’s life stories. God speaks to us in many ways and, for me, one of the ways is hearing God’s voice through these meditations. Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful treasure in our lives!