Thursday, March 22, 2012

Let Everyone Be Themselves

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -- Ephesians 2:10

The other day several of us discussed our various “buttons.” Everyone is unique, so different things make kindness and love difficult to show. One woman gets upset with telemarketers. Another gets upset about rude drivers. I get upset when people try to turn me in to someone else.

No. I’m not about to launch into repeat episodes of Bewitched. It’s just that my life sometimes seems to be one big struggle against the will of others as they try to turn me into someone like them. It’s frustrating, insulting, and just really pushes my button.

Oh, I’ve gone along at times. And always regretted it. Once upon a time I longed to be like everyone else. I wanted to wear khakis and be part of the “in” group. I wanted to like what others liked. I wanted to just get along. But I never fit in and I was incredibly unhappy.

Why? Because I was trying to be someone other than the person God made be to be. I wanted to be the person who always held her tongue and never said the wrong thing. I wanted to be the person who kept her own counsel and didn’t upset people with a truth they don’t want to hear. I am not that person. God created me to be someone to stir up the waters with His truth. I’ve come to understand that but it has been a painful journey at times.

These days I’m still someone other people don’t understand. How could they? I don’t fit the mold. I take care of elderly parents, transport cars and work as a folk artist. And somehow I manage to put together an income of sorts.

I try to keep a sense of humor when people don’t understand that, yes, I do work for a living. And, yes, I have responsibilities and things I must do each day. I also have a particular style of painting. Really. I’m not interested in copying anyone else. And, no, I don’t appreciate people telling me I should do what someone else is already doing. I’m not that person. And that person is not me.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it.

-- Psalm 139:14

God made me to be who I am just as He made you to be who you are. We are each uniquely and wonderfully made. So you be who God made you to be. Shine brightly with all the qualities and talents He gave you. And let me do the same.