Blending In or Shining Out

“In what ways do you try to be normal, to fit into society and live the way others do?” This was the probing question that the study asked the teens in my Gather & Grow group. Fitting in – Blending in. Is it something only teens struggle with?

There are many areas in my life where I would rather blend in. When I walk into the Y to work out, many times I don’t feel like I fit in. Walking into a room with large amounts of people I don’t know, I’d rather be in. Being over dressed or under dressed for an occasion, creates an anxiety about “sticking out”. I just want to blend in!

But this doesn’t seem to be what the Lord calls me to be. Matthew 15:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Sounds like the opposite to me. Maybe my problem is perspective. I don’t want to stick out, yet He calls me to shine out. I need to walk into situations looking for ways to show His life. Go to the Y with an awareness for the one whose eyes say that they are hurting and empty. When I have to enter a room filled with people I don’t know – look for the one who is lonely and needs a friend. I need to remove my eyes from looking at myself to the one who needs a compliment on how she looks.

Blending in or shining out? Lord, only you can light our hearts so others see real life and that life is YOU! Please shine out of my life today.

Lynn

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