Into the Fire

It's a strange expression, but everyone seems to know what it means. It took me a long while to get here, but I'm definitely comfortable in my own skin. Not proud of it but comfortable in it.

I think it takes time to learn who you are, what your purpose is, and how to attempt to be the best individual and "corporate" entity you can be. 

With me, Jesus made the difference in the desire to understand who He'd created me to be. It was slow going, but I made it. There are innumerable complexities in each of us. Maybe our desired outcomes for our lives are relatively simple, but getting to them and gaining the momentum to clarify and then put ourselves under the direction of the Savior isn't always as easy as we might hope it to be. Struggles usually empty out our own designs, but until we understand how we're confounding ourselves in the pursuit of being "better", it inevitably takes a hard and bumpy road to get there.

Having been one to rarely learn any way but the hard way, maybe it took longer than it should have to get comfortable in my own skin. So be it. I got there in spite of myself and definitely with the Holy Spirit's assistance. And now? What you see is pretty much what you get. I don't play games, and I want what's best for you. I do my best to be the best friend I can, but I am selective. I love deep. I cry hard and often. I'm emotional. And I'm grateful that's who God made me to be. 

How about you? Are you comfortable in your own skin – or is there chafing going on under that skin at the moment? 

Father, I'm thankful for your work in me – I know it hasn't been easy. Thank you always for rescuing me from myself. Amazing God. Please continue to refine me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.