Acceptance

One of the hardest lessons I have had to understand is the lesson of acceptance.  In life we are constantly looking for the acceptance of others. Whether it is in what we wear, who we are friends with, what we are doing with our lives or simply what meal we are eating at a given moment. It is fine to get the opinion of others, to inquire about their perspective of a particular action or behavior, but when you base your actions on the opinions of others there is a problem.

We are programmed to fit in. As children and teens we are made to believe that we are supposed to fit in. We are supposed to do as others do and find a group of friends to accept us. Very rarely are we told to simply be ourselves, to like what we like, dislike what we don't and do what makes us happy. No that lesson comes much later after we have already been programmed for the opposite.

We were each given free will for a reason. We are supposed to exercise that free will.  What character can you truly build if you are constantly making decisions based on others, constantly looking for their acceptance, their approval? Of course be sure your actions are right in the eyes of the Lord.  He holds the only opinion that should truly make or break your actions. And don't believe every so called prophet with a "thus sayeth the Lord" word. Be diligent in prayer, be mindful and use wisdom because it comes down to what God says to you, not what others say He has said to them about you.

This is not to say that you shouldn't be accountable. Of course you need to be in order in your actions, get advice, get confirmation, just don't be so concerned about the acceptance and approval of others that you deny or question what God has told you about the action. Don't miss your blessing because a sinner has a word...

Recently I was given the opportunity to make a decison. I was faced with something that in the world is difficult, but through prayer and communication with God it was a decision that didn't require much thought. No it required something much more precious, it required faith, hope, it required love.

The decision has been made and there are already people coming against it. That is what I expected. People will always be people. That is one constant you can depend on. Just don't let those people keep you from what God is trying to give you.

Father God I thank you that you are in constant communication with me. I thank you that you have already taken control of the situation and you are giving me peace. I thank you for blessimg the people who have come against me and my decision. I pray that you help me to remember they are acting out of love and not out of malice. I thank you that you are always faithful, and you are always with me. I give it to you. I give it all to you.

Still not hard to smile... :)