June Snow & Winter Sunshine

I love water and sunshine and sand, and I live in the mountains.  My sweet friend loves rain, and big fat snow flakes and lives near the beach… we both see the beauty of our locations,  it’s just not necessarily the preferred location.  That is also not the end of our differences.  We are different in so many ways, how we relate to others, how we see the world, the things we worry about, the things we stress over.  She calls me out of my own head space often, she likes to poke holes in the justification and reasoning I often try to hide behind.  She challenges me to be a better person, a multi dimensional person, and person who won’t settle for less than all Jesus has for me.  I have watched her struggle with her differences, I have watched her adjust, battle and accept those depending on the circumstances.  I have learned a lot from her about people, myself and Jesus.

Do you ever feel out of place like a June Snow – you know, like many of us woke up to today?!?  I pray you read her words,  allow them to flow over you.  We are all beautifully different, the very things we think make us “other” are the strength and gifting that Jesus gave us.

Her Story

I’m not like anyone I know. I’m not like anyone on TV or in the movies. When God was knitting me together and counting the hairs on my head, he most definitely made me unique amongst humans. I look at other people and they fit some societal mold that I don’t seem to fit in to but I tell you there is a secret. Everyone feels weird, alone, separate at some or most times in our lives. God did make us unique. I enjoy cloudy days and watching heavy laden snowflakes fall. I love a downpour. Sunshine is optional. I have loved Jesus for as long as I can remember, and it is that relationship that has sustained me. As with any relationship, I did not take care of it in the early years. As with many young people, I thought I knew better what I should do and of course, I didn’t. The beautiful thing is when I was flat on my face begging for forgiveness and reprieve from the consequences of my actions…Jesus picked me up off the ground, wiped away my tears and comforted me.

You are you. The world will often not understand you. Be kind, don’t be angry, just keep being who God created you to be. Grow your relationship with Him, stay in constant communication with Him to ensure your path remains straight. You will make mistakes, He won’t leave you. You will be frustrated and angry and sad…take it to Him. Some may say, “I don’t know who He created me to be.” One foot in front of the other. Keep learning, keep moving, He will make clear the path. I inquire daily as to whether I’m doing as He would have me to do. I feel like I’m annoying Him; I know that I am not. Embrace your uniqueness, use it to glorify your heavenly Father, whether it fits what the world thinks it should be or not.

“I DON’T NEED A FRIEND WHO CHANGES WHEN I CHANGE AND WHO NODS WHEN I NOD; MY SHADOW DOES THAT MUCH BETTER.”  -PLUTARCH