How good are you at judging the value of something? 
Check out this story that has been making its rounds on the internet. (If you know the original source, please tell us so we can give proper credit). Here it is…
A father said to his son: You graduated with honors, here is a car that I acquired many years ago… it is 20 years old.
But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how much they offer you.
The son went to the used car lot, returned to his father and said, “They offered me $1,000 because it looks very worn out.”
The father said, “Take it to the pawn shop.”
The son went to the pawn shop, returned to his father and said, “The pawn shop offered $100 because it was a very old car.”
The father asked his son to go to a car club and show them the car.
The son took the car to the club, returned and told his father: “Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it, since it is a Nissan Skyline R34, iconic car and sought after by many.
The father said to his son:
If you are not valued do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you. Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.
It’s true! If you don’t feel valued, you might not be in the right place. If you once felt valued but now you’re feeling unappreciated, it may be a sign that your job there is done and it’s time to move on. If you haven’t yet found that place or those people that appreciate you, try seeking out new places and new people.
You Are Valuable to God
God leaves no doubt of the tremendous value He places on every human life, including yours. Your value begins with the fact that you were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14), by the hand of the Creator in His image (Genesis 1:26-27).
The Bible states, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7). Got that? God made you, He knows everything about you, and He values you highly.
God did not make you to be what somebody else wants you to be. God made you to be YOU, flaws and all. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
God has given you unique gifts to influence others and add value to their lives. If you don’t have an appropriate outlet for your gifts, you will not be able to fully experience the energy and creativity that God has in store for you. Seek wise counsel if you don’t know what your gifts are or you don’t how to use them.
Keep in mind, while feeling appreciated and valued is a wonderful thing, you can’t always expect to get honors, accolades, and public gratitude. You need to strive to find meaning in your work, in your relationship with God, and in life itself. “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10).
When you base your self-worth upon the value God has placed on you, and focus on pleasing God rather than people, you will become more confident in your abilities and then you will be better equipped and more receptive to finding those who will love, accept, and value you for who you are.
If you’ve been feeling undervalued, it’s time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, trust in God and let your light shine! “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Nissan Skyline R34
So is the car in the story really worth that much? For all you car buffs, here is a description of the Nissan Skyline R34 from a Top Gear car review:
“The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R (1999-2002). Fifth and last of the Skyline GT-Rs (the R35 dropped the ‘Skyline’ part of the name), poster-child for a generation weaned on the likes of Gran Turismo, Fast & Furious and a host of other digital dreams. An angry-looking four-seat coupe so full of Japanese technical brilliance that back in the day it could carve out a laptime that belied its apparent lack of power. As far as a classic of its era, the GT-R stands tall even today. Deserves the ‘icon’ tag.”