How Many of Us Are Tired of Trying to Be Something We Aren't?

How many of us want to be loved, accepted, and needed for who we are? How many of us are tired of trying to be something we aren’t?

Oh, friends, sometimes I wish I was more outgoing. I don’t always like the introvert I am; I want to say more and do more. I want to be the girl who is happily awake, sweating in a spinning class at 5am. But I’m not!

I’m not that girl.

I struggle with early wake up calls and low energy. I have to make myself exercise and unfortunately, sad as it might be, chewing cupcakes does not burn calories! It really should, don’t you think?

Discipline can be difficult and regardless of how much I wish I could break out of the introvert’s box, God gave me that quality for a good reason.

My kids started school today, and just like that, it’s time for early wake up calls, order, and schedules. The inevitable ticking of the clock has once again led me to small talk and smiles with people I don’t know very well. And even though I love people, for this introvert, it can be scary.

I’ve taken a whole summer to enjoy my children, relax, read, and indulge in cupcakes. But all good things come to an end… Or do they?

Every season shapes who we are. This summer, my family has gone through many ups and downs that have changed us. And the hope we each have is that all things work together for good. We are constantly being sculpted for the beauty of the Lord. The rough, steep, and rocky terrain of every season leads to incredible views full of healing and life.

All of us benefit from allowing God to sculpt our hearts. It’s important to listen to the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit and soften the hard edges, but it’s also important to accept the beautiful pieces of who we are. We need to ask for the wisdom and ability to see the pieces of ourselves that Christ intends us to use for His kingdom. It’s too easy to become distorted and see what we don’t like, rather than what He would have us adjust and use for His plan.

Let God work, and at the same time, realize you were made exactly the way you are on purpose for a purpose.

Be who you are in Christ, seasoned with salt.

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

-Mark 9:49-50

It’s easy to lose our flavor when we do nothing but wish to be different from who we are. Instead, embrace who you are in Christ and continue on in your journey.

Love well and be flavorful!

Love,

Jennifer