I AM NOT THE BEST

I am not the best of all. The trophies and medals I gathered with pride Are but dust beneath another's stride. They shimmer with glory, with hopeful light, Yet deep within, my soul knew endless night. In my heart, I thought I was the best. Top of the class, among the blessed. I passed the board on my very first try And earned a stable job with dreams held high. But when I ventured into the world, One painful truth slowly unfurled. The honors I carried with so much pride Were only things the world could cast aside. The awards and medals I cherished before Could never define my spirit's core. What was it all truly for— To lose my sleep and always give more? They gleamed in gold and splendid hue, Wrapped in ribbons bright and new. It felt so good to hold them once, Yet empty after the moment was gone. I thought I'd finally be complete If every goal lay at my feet. Only to learn, through joy and pain, Life is not measured by worldly gain. I became addicted to my own pursuit, Chasing achievements that bore no fruit. I thought they'd make me proud inside, Yet left my weary soul untied. Devastated and brokenhearted, I no longer knew where to get started. Everywhere I looked, I was not the best— Only an ordinary girl giving her best. Yet somehow, it still seemed not enough For this demanding, cruel world. I thought success would make me whole, Yet emptiness consumed my soul. At the feet of the Almighty, I found my peace; There alone my striving ceased. He wrote my worth with loving grace, Not in trophies I could embrace, Nor medals bright with earthly fame, But in the shelter of His holy name. Great is He who lives in me; He fills my lack and strengthens me. Once I was lost, with nowhere to run, Now I am found in the Holy One. How foolish I was to measure my worth Against those walking their own hard earth. Each heart bears battles I cannot see; God has been faithful enough to me. Trophies and medals are good indeed, But they are not what my soul will need. In His wings I choose to abide, Where lasting joy and hope reside. For He is greater than all I see, Far greater than the best of me. His presence fills what I cannot mend, And in His love, I find my end.