Dots and stars

I had lunch with a friend recently and we talked a lot about women and how we see ourselves.  We also talked about how hard women are on themselves and how far too often we judge each other instead of uplifting and helping one another.

I came across this book many years ago.  It is a beautifully written childrens story with a powerful message.

“You Are Special” by: Max Lucado

Punchinello is a little wooden person called a Wemmick. Wemmicks spend their days giving stickers: golden stars to “good Wemmicks” and dots to “not-so-good Wemmicks.”

Punchinello becomes covered in dots because he stumbles and has scratches, he can’t jump high or do any tricks.

As he is becoming discouraged though, he meets a Wemmick that has no stars or dots on her. She tells him about Eli, the woodcarver, and how Punchinello should visit him.

Eli explains to Punchinello that the stars and dots stick only if you let them. He further explains that it doesn’t really matter what other people think, because He, the Maker, thinks Punchinello is special.

He’s special because Eli made him. Punchinello begins to believe Eli, and as he does, a dot falls to the ground.

I think about this story often, I think about how others see me and how I see myself.  I am  trying not to let their opinions matter quite so much.  I am trying not to be judgmental of myself or others.  I strive to remember that I, just like all of you, am here doing the best I can, the best way I know how.  So hang in there.  Do your best! And don’t let the dots and stars stick!