Smells like cocky...

Smells like cocky…

Psalm 31

     You can spot them a mile away…Funny, while it’s obvious to everyone else, often the person of reference thinks no one knows.  I’ve been guilty.  I’m talking about the person who thinks they’re all that and a bag of chips.  Weird isn’t it how we can almost smell when someone is just a little too big for their britches?  I’m not sure what gives it away, but there is a certain air around those who believe they are God’s gift to mankind or to the workplace or to the neighborhood block party…I can't speak for anyone else, but like I said, I've stunk to high heaven with it myself.

     I’d like to think many of those days are behind me as I’ve matured and grown to understand more of my need for Christ as my daily life.  I do, however, recall with vivid memory the first time I realized how ridiculous I had been acting after thinking initially how cute and flirty I must be.  It’s embarrassing…

     I was in Jr. High.  My youth group gathered in someone’s home for something. I had a crush on someone whose name I don’t remember or even recollect what he looked like.  I do recall sitting on the couch convinced I must be making a darling impression on him when something clicked.  It was almost as if I could see myself apart from myself, like in a movie, and I realized how ridiculous I actually acted.

     I thank God for that memory…strange how certain things will stick out in your mind.  I can barely remember what I wore yesterday, but I recall that feeling from 30 years ago clear as a bell.  

      I say all that to say just be who you are.  Don’t worry about impressing anyone.  Dress with a desire to honor your King.  Treat others with respect and the humility of realizing when you look into their eyes they are a person created in the image of God.  Each person is someone of value.  Each person puts his or her clothes on the same way.  All must brush our teeth to have clean breath and all have uniqueness to be celebrated. 

     So instead of flitting around vying to make a good impression or slipping into the shadows in hopes of being lost in the crowd, take it as it comes.  Every person you come across is a person to look into the eye gate of their soul and hopefully share the love of Jesus with a warm smile and kind word. 

     I’m challenged and guided by the verses in Ps 31… I remember reading it the night I came home from that activity, embarrassed and needing a new plan of action!  “In Thee O Lord do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed…Into thine hand I commit my spirit…My times are in they hand…Make thy face to shine upon thy servant…Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man…Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart…”

Hope & Glory to you my friend,

Rebecca