All true statements, yet deceptive in nature. The snack within the bag was far from the healthy portrait the marketers were trying to paint. The corn chips actually had a whopping 160 calories for a mere ½ cup serving and were more than 50% fat. Not exactly a masterpiece of health.
Now, I’m not trying to pick on corn chips. They can fit into a healthy diet in moderation. But, I’m trying to make this point. Often times, we are busy trying to perfect our outside packaging. We want to project an image that is worthy of others’ approval. We want others to see only our good qualities, not our struggles and imperfections. We even try to hide our flaws from God, who sees all.
People appreciate the genuine and will eventually detect the deceptive. Yet, I struggle to be authentic and transparent at times. I fear that people won’t like me if share my issues and quirks with them. I fear that I disappoint God with my attitudes and raw emotions.
And so, my thoughts run laps in my head, and I lack clarity on a resolution. What am I to do? Do I risk everything and strip away every inkling to protect myself and stand confidently in God’s grace? Or do I lay another brick in the wall around my heart in hopes of shielding myself from the pain of rejection? I really just wish I could just be free from flaws. Yet, I can’t. So I have a choice to make. We each have a choice to make.
Today, as I fight the reality of my emotions, I’m choosing to lay them before God. No more bricks. Instead, I’m inviting His grace to wrap me like a swaddled baby. All of my internal conflict, I’m giving to Him. I’m giving up trying to get it right. I’m giving up the self-induced beating for the emotions I think I shouldn’t feel. I’m trading my exhaustion for His promise of rest. It’s been far too long, but this weary soul is running home, into the arms of Jesus.
I hope you choose to do the same.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Cindy Schufflebarger
Author and Speaker
www.cindyshufflebarger.com
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