Into the Fire

There should come a time in one's life when he or she finally gets comfortable in his/her own skin. It happens early for some and later for others. I can't tell you when I reached that pinnacle in my life, but it's been awhile ago. That's certainly not to say I'm satisfied with all that I am – on the contrary, there's so much I need to improve upon while here on earth. God has His hands full with me. He's not worried though. He's so much bigger – He can handle anything I throw His way.

The bottom line is understanding who you are. How you react, how you view things – your perspective, recognizing your talents with an equal measure as you tally up your flaws. Invariably your flaws outweigh your talents. Deciding to better your strengths no matter how few you seem to have. Keeping an attitude of gratitude that you've managed to conquer a few things in this life without compromising who you are in your heart. 

As a writer, I see people in multiple ways. Their layers speak of many of life's influences – some good and some bad. With strangers we only get a peripheral view of character, but oftentimes it's a stark picture. With some observations we learn quickly that the picture we're seeing does not speak to the heart of the person, and I always find those times rewarding and consider them reminders of how our God of all creation looks upon the heart of an individual regardless of how that person is presented to us. 

Also as a writer, I've had to "be" who I am when creating a story and telling it. As much as I might want to emulate certain authors I've reviewed with admiration, who inspire me, I can't be them. I'm only going to write what I've been given to tell and how I've been designed to tell it. Does that make my storytelling critique-proof? No. But it does make it mine. And, although many authors continue their journeys through excruciating rigors to become better and better at their work, I can only do what is true to me. That's not necessarily good or bad, it's just the way it is in my skin. And I'm comfortable with it. It's who I am. In my own skin. 

Who are you in your own skin?

Father, as hard as it is sometimes to be comfortable in "my own skin", I thank you for it. You've guided me through this life even when I refused to do the right things. I learned over time your way was and is always the best. Thank you for loving me. I'm always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.