Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Is Different So Bad?


     What is the big deal about fitting in? My daughter was criticised and verbally abused during her 4th grade school year because she didn't quite "fit in" with the rest. She's a bit of a tom boy and has more energy than most people are used to conjuring during the day. No, it's not any kind of defect...she doesn't sit around eating junk food all day. Her lunches were different, her hair different...and she was told how odd she was on a daily basis. It begs the question: what exactly is "in" and why do people even want to go there?

     Over this past year, I have come to grips with the fact that I am quite odd and certainly not the "norm". I'm nowhere near in, and I'm OK with that. Where I am is right where I should be and where God can use me best. You see, when we focus on where we think we should be, we are not open to where we could be. There's a lot about my life that doesn't quite scream normal I suppose, so I thought I should list it out and see what's going on:

  • I don't save money for vacations, I save money for missions.
  • Instead of waiting in line for the ride , my kids and I wait on people across the globe.
  • I don't cry when my kids go back to school. OK, so my daughter home schools for now, but still no tears. Why? My kids are with me for a very short time and I am in stewardship of them. It's not my job to hold tight, it's my job to train and teach and begin letting go. So when I see them make strides towards adulthood I'm actually looking forward to it.
  • I wake up at 4 a.m. M-Saturday to have quiet time with the Bible and then continue it in the gym. When I am physically broken is the best time for me to spiritually grow.
  • I prefer to focus on the stories of others as opposed to my own story.
  • I'm not a baby person, but I really dig the youth of this world. I love those who have seemingly been tossed out and forgotten. The kids who can actually change the world, that's where my investment goes.
  • I take my kids to Africa and Eastern Europe instead of Disney World and Six Flags.
  • My kids wouldn't have it any other way because I don't shelter them from the problems that surround us.






     So, does it make me better to do these things? No way, I'm as flawed as they come. What it does is make me more dedicated to doing that which is out of my grasp, that which is slightly uncomfortable, that which is weird and not normal....and it brings blessings 10 fold of what would happen if I just tried to "fit in".

Why fit in, when you were born to stand out? -Dr. Suess

Wise indeed. Dedicate yourself to making a difference TODAY.

Michelle