You Are Valuable (WINE)!

A few months ago, a friend and I had a conversation about how dating has been going for us and how stressful it has been. I even informed this friend that I was told by a new co-worker that I should lower my standards so I can accept the invitation from a male friend she was cool with. My friend was baffled by the co-worker's comment, but also told me about how she questions herself sometimes because of the mistreatment she suffered in her past relationship and the confusion the man brought to her. I just couldn't believe we were still dealing with this foolishness in our late 20s and early 30s. Then I got to thinking......

Value and standards are all about how you feel about yourself. Anyone who feels that they are worthy of honoring you will never force you to lower your standards or feel like they can't meet your needs. They will actually go over and beyond to meet your needs and wants. Through this epiphany, I explained everything to my friend through a wine analogy. No matter who you are, you are not for everyone. This is just like wine. Which means you can't be wine sold at a liquor store or at a grocery store. Those types of wines everyone has tasted. Those types of wines are great in sugary taste and they are bought to serve everyone at any party, but they are not seen as specialty wines. Some wines are an acquired taste....... she is an acquired taste. That is also the way I see myself. What this means is that acquired taste of wine had to go through a particular process in order for it to become the product that it is. And just like wine, the same thing happens with people. The best people we have come in contact with in our lives went through one heck of a journey (a process) and they were able to be their best selves (a product) for their mate and community. Essentially, they are now serving their purpose as they move forward in their lives.

When you keep moving forward in your life, through all the pain, suffering, disappointments, disrespect, and misunderstandings, it opens your eyes to your strength, power, talents, skills, and it also allows your heart to heal. This process is called the pricking and pruning season. It can be a long season, but one well worth it. This season is something that people tend to run from because it forces us, as human beings, to sit with ourselves and really acknowledge our shortcomings and behaviors that are not pleasing to ourselves or others. The things that we need to work on and address have actually hurt others. The pressing, pricking, pruning of the grapes, to make wine, is essential. And relating to humans, it is essential for us too.

And just imagine, after the process is over, what kind of great things come out of you. I learned that I need to trust myself and trust God. People say a whole lot but my journey that I am walking is not the same destiny for others. I also can acknowledge how smart, wise and confident I am. Those qualities are able to show up in the workforce and I am able to accomplish the goals that the company has set. And one thing is for sure....I am very funny. But imagine me not noticing these things, if I never went through this season. I also noticed other important items that made me come to a point and say, "I have value and I am valuable. And because I have worked on myself, and love who I am, I will not be for everyone." As I accepted that message, there was further acceptance of how I had to move in the future. And just like wine, while some are affordable, the expensive wines are not accessible to many people.

Just like expensive wines, you will not be affordable to everyone. Some people, who can't measure up to having an acquired taste, will only want to sample you. That's the best that they can do. Others just want to be seen with you because it ups their status but they don't even want the sample. Or they can sample you, and give a bad review on you which their review will always be inaccurate of who you are because they lack understanding and education on valuable things. But I've learned that the right person who is meant to be with you, has an acquired taste, one that they will travel to a wine vineyard for. They will ask all types of questions of how the wine was made, the smell of the wine, flavor of it (cherry, wood, cranberry, etc), and what it pairs well with. They are willing to pay the price for it because not only is it appealing but it is very rare and it is wine that not everyone can get their hands on. The customer will treat it with care and understands the nature of this product. And that customer will walk away feeling accomplished and mission fulfilled.....Well my friend........ The expensive wine is you!!!! You are valuable and a rare breed. You are not to be sampled and mistreated. The right person will automatically know to handle you with care and is always willing to pay the price for you. Your value is unmatched in any other person they have met before. And just like the wines in the vineyard, you are of an acquired taste.

I am thankful for the one who takes care of that vineyard and allows me to go through that process to become the best that I can be. You may or may not believe, but for me, my Heavenley Father took care of my vineyard where I am becoming that best wine that only one particular man is waiting for. And just like good wines serve their purpose, outside of a relationship, I will be serving my purpose too. Everything that will be happening unapologetically and within divine order. No matter what, always remember you are valuable. Don't ever lower your value or standards for anyone who can't value you or your presence.

P.S. Shout out to my cousin who introduced me to really good red wine years ago!

#valuable #newblog #wine #growth

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