"Picky Nicky"

In the mid 70's "Nicole" was a popular name. For all the Nicoles' out there, we have all been called, "Picky Nicky" at some time or another. It rings true for me too.

Definition 1: To Pick - transitive verb choose something or somebody: to take, or decide to take, one or more things or people from a larger number.

There is power in picking. Power in being the pick-ee and power in being picked and power in not being picked.

My school years afforded many occassions for not being picked in physical education class. How I despised standing in a line waiting to be picked for a team. I hated being in the remaining bottom two and still not being chosen. I was added to the last team by default. Truthfully, I didn't add value to the team. I was not athletically inclined. Not being picked only added to my humiliation on any type of field or court.

Add 50 pounds to any junior high girl and not being picked spreads beyond gym class. Boyfriends. Dances. The whole nine yards. Not being picked = rejection.

Definition 2: To Pick - transitive verb undo something: to loosen, unfasten, or separate something into disconnected parts, especially something that was sewn together

The result of definition 1 is definition 2.

Today my "picky" thoughts are running wild after listening to a broadcast on foster care. My sister and her husband, after having two children of their own, made the decision to take babies into their home through foster care. A noble thing to do. In essence, they are "picking" children who may feel "unpicked". Each child is brought into their home and cared for and loved as their own. They are given the very best and an abundance of love! The message overflowing in their home is, "You are worth it! You are chosen! You are picked! You are not disconnected or separated. You are part of us."

In my own life, fast forward a few decades. Saturday I am running yet another 1/2 marathon. Most likely, my perseverence and motivation stems from enduring elementary gym class! I am absolutely cherished, chosen, and chased by my wonderful husband and three sons. The Lord has lavished His love on and in my life. I am chosen. I have been picked! In fact, the night before I got married my mom read me the storybook, "I'd Choose You." It is about an elephant (Mom, what were you thinking...after all that trauma, an elephant!? Just kidding.), that gets the last seat on the bus, the worst lunch, and the last one picked on the team. The mother elephant says over and over in the book, "If I could have anyone in all the world, I would still choose you." (Thanks mom!)



Now, do I have any choice but to be a pick-ee? I have the power to pick everyday by adding value to lives, by loving like Christ, and by lavishing grace on others.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Signed -
Not Picky Nicky, but Pick-ee Nicky