Gather around boyfriends and girlfriends…settle down and grab a seat. Criss cross applesauce. Shhh….inside voices.
It’s time for a story. Today’s share?
Interpreted by Miss. Caterpillar
That would be me.
Ever feel like you’re walking around with a big “elephant in the room”?
Like in Middle School, when everyone knew you had a crush on Josh. Everyone heard when you farted in gym class. Everyone is staring at your zits. So we thought.
Our insecurities fade dramatically as we mature (amen). But even adults experience this “elephant in the room” effect from time to time. I know I do.
It’s easy to assume everyone knows our insecurities, our shortcomings, our mistakes, our less-thans.
Maybe you’ve gained some weight.
Maybe you’re feeling guilty. You screwed up. You got fired from your job. You lied to a friend to avoid helping them move. You got caught gossiping.
Maybe you had an embarrassing episode. Farted in yoga class, got a little too drunk at the office party or “replied to all” accidentally.
Maybe you had to drop out of school or you live with your parents. You have an eating disorder. Maybe you live paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford nights out with your friends. You’re single and lonely.
You have debt. You’re in a bad relationship. Your car is dirty. Your kid misbehaves at school. You got a bad haircut. You’re wearing that outfit again.
You might think, everyone is judging you as harshly as you’re judging yourself.
*Intermission*
Hold on, Kids! Let’s stop for a moment. As a swimmer, I am absolutely NOT condoning peeing in the pool.
Personally, I don’t care if you do. I’m not scared. (I’ve resigned myself to the fact I’m wading through wee in public pools). But it is definitely NOT okay. Okay? Just sayin’.
(Speaking of Pee….this book has a lot of it.)
The point is…..
If people really though about others as much as we imagine, the world would be a better, more caring place. Most of us are too busy thinking about ourselves!
Your problems? Weaknesses? Mistakes? Hurts?
Chances are people would never notice.
Unless you mention it.
When I feel down and out, I think “Get OVER yourself, girl!”
There is so much more to YOU than your broken bits.
Because JESUS LOVES YOU!
Lots of people do! Missing Pieces and all.
(Yes, even you pool-pottying people.)
*Random* My neighbor just knocked on my door to return the car keys I left outside in the grass while I was reading earlier. I said, “Did you know they were mine or just figure they had to belong to the crazy space cadet in the neighborhood?” Because clearly everyone must think that. Sigh.
- What’s your “elephant?”
- Anyone pool peeing people care to fess up? I dare ya!
- Don’t you want a Rainbow Pony Backpack?
