Playing Dress-Up

 

Raise your hand if you ever feel like you are simply a child playing DRESS-UP in this big, grown-up world. I often feel like I am merely posing as an adult who has it all together. Balancing on a TIGHT-ROPE of uncertainty. Trying not to let people see the inner-CHILD that is straining to burst free. Well, guess what: I know that I'm not alone! We are all just big kids stumbling through this life.

 

We will FALL. We will reach out for that hot stove despite the warnings. We will get ROUGHED UP a bit. We might even eat a worm here or there. BUT, it is important how you embrace this journey. When you fall, PICK YOURSELF UP again. When you get burned, LEARN from it. When things get rough, KEEP WALKING TALL. When you eat the occasional worm, just LAUGH AT YOURSELF (and perhaps switch to the gummy kind in the future...) Oh, and don't be afraid to let people see the inner-child shine through!

 

Honesty, Vulnerability, Curiosity, Humility, Eagerness and Laughter are excellent qualities to have.

 

PLUS, kids have more FUN!!

Look beyond yourself.

 

I drew this picture while I was in church on Sunday. (Don't tell my pastor...I was listening while I doodled. Promise.) Anyways, I had been a little down that morning. I kept worrying about my future, feeling guilty about my present, and wishing for my past. I was totally focused on ME and my issues. I think this is common for many of us. When we focus so much on ourselves, we tend to feel defeated. Nothing is going to be good enough. Nothing that we can do will satisfy us or leave us feeling whole.

As I was busy feeling sorry for myself on the way to church that morning, I took a minute to look up. I was driving towards the mountains and noticed the sun peering out behind them. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was so focused on myself and the road in front of me, that I neglected to look beyond. I neglected to look towards God. The only One that can truly satisfy, love unconditionally and heal completely. He is my true hope. Once I was reminded of this truth, I was able to find that awesome ray of hope that only God can muster up. It gave me strength and perspective.

When we look beyond ourselves, we can see so much more than we ever asked for. That is why I drew this. As a reminder to look beyond yourself to find the true joy and hope that you seek. The world looks a little sweeter when you look up. I guarantee it.

The Little Things

 

I often obsess over the BIG picture of my life. What am I meant to do? What will my future hold? But, sometimes it's about the smaller picture. Taking every day as it comes. Stumbling through the confusion and uncertainty. Allowing yourself to be guided by the light that hope provides. Taking time to notice the small things. It is easy to miss out on a simple gesture, smile or sunset. When we piece these little things together, we get a beautiful picture that we couldn't possibly imagine on our own.