I am not a pianist despite taking lessons at two different stages in my life.
Despite participating in several races and receiving a free t-shirt each time, I am also not a runner. I have physical aches and have had a few heartbreaks, but nothing worth airing complaints about.
I feel blessed despite living in this messy place called LIFE.
I have learned that most people do not think about you as much as you believe, and other’s opinions don’t hold a candle to God’s perspective. When I have walked in darkness, it is because I followed the wrong leader… sometimes, that leader was my selfish and curious self.
Recently, my daughter had a group of girls spend the night at our home. I had the joy of watching them gather in the kitchen and just be themselves. Each came in comfy clothes, and each girl was as different as their outfits. On paper, they all have different resumes: experiences, titles, and years of knowing one another. As they talked about hair, makeup, and school, I realized their conversations were similar to those I had as a teen. What a crazy, fun, stressful age (not necessarily in that order).
As teens, we often focus on shedding our childhood and working out a new identity, dipping our toes into new passions, and trying to fit in — usually by manipulating ourselves into a puzzle piece for a picture in a different box. We identify ourselves by our involvement in clubs, sports, hobbies, academia, beliefs, and relationships. And we question our parents, ourselves, and even God.
Yes, we no longer ride on the spiritual coattails of our folks; instead, we slide into a coat being altered to fit the new us… a person who is still trying to grow into themselves.
As we mature, our experiences enter like roses, fragrant with a few thorns; we move beyond self to see the One holding the bouquet.
Christ invites us into a personal relationship, and we discover contentment and joy in the heart of a world in a severe spiritual drought. We also learn the importance of guarding our hearts.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways” (Proverbs 4:23-26).
As adults, we must ask ourselves, at the center of our frustrations: Do insecurities and fears of the unknown manifest themselves in my daily doings? What is my testimony of living in faith today? Do I live as I am called to live?
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).
Appearances, experiences, differences, diseases, pains, and even successes do not identify us. They are not our keepers or teachers.
Our true teacher, Christ Jesus, gives us everything we need to advance in faith. He gives Himself, and He is more than enough. Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
God is higher than what can be seen or felt. May we trust in Him as we establish our identity and focus on who we are rather than opinions, labels, circumstances, fears, or successes.
And may we feel blessed in this messy place called LIFE because we trust in the one who gives us eternal life.
Yes, Christ Jesus is more than enough… for us all.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.
