One thing that I really struggle with, is accepting the reality that I am in and being fully present. I like to go on flights of imagination and conjure up fake realities in my head that I could live in. However, no matter what, all the books, movies, stories, and imaginative alternate realities that I desire for will not, in fact, be real.
It’s hard to realize that, but as I get older, it’s something that God has taught me. He’s taught me that life isn’t what I expect it to be. But He has also taught me more, which is beautifully quoted by Donald Miller himself:
“The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: life is a story about me.”
This world is not all about me. This life is a lot bigger than God and I. It’s about a body of believers that I am a part of. And it doesn’t stop there.
It’s a Kingdom perspective, not an ‘I’ perspective.
For my birthday this year, I wanted to give myself the gift of grace for the reality and authenticity of life and its truth. I want to be real and honest with myself and those feelings and realities I face. I also want to be honest with those around me, and to let my words reflect my inner growth and grace. So, here are my 23 thoughts on being 23:
- It’s OK to not feel OK.
- If people ask me a question (especially if pertaining to myself) it’s OK to say ‘I don’t know’ because the truth is no one (or I) have all the answers.
- Expectations can ruin relationships.
- Comparison is the thief of joy.
- There is no end goal or end product that I should be trying to achieve; we all have something that we are growing in.
- If I am not feeling well or need to ask for help with some thing, I don’t need to say, “I’m sorry for…” because that person volunteered to assist me.
- I am not in control of other people’s feelings.
- Other people’s feelings are not my own, and I am not called to handle or deal with them. That is for God to do.
- I cannot control how other people think or act.
- God gave us the gift of free will.
- God offers us freedom always, but we are the ones coming up with excuses or reasons why we cannot accept it.
- Grace is a gift given to us freely ; not by the things we do or say. We do not earn grace.
- My relationship with God is a journey and a growing experience. Not a race to win or finish first.
- This life is not about me! It’s about God and His kingdom.
- It’s OK to ask for help— asking for help is actually done out of a place of love and humility.
- Pride is a disease that keeps us from growing.
- Other people’s relationships will look different than your’s with other people, and that’s OK because all of our relationships with our God are different.
- However you are feeling or how you feel is valid, and no one can argue/take that away from you.
- BUT we need to take ownership of our feelings and give them to the Lord.
- It’s OK to grow slowly.
- Self care is also care for those around us.
- God is never finished with me.
- The only purpose in this life is through Jesus. Any other way is a lie and leads only to death and destruction.
