We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
–Romans 12:6-8
“There is only one way to peace: be reconciled that of yourself you are what you are, and it might not be especially magnificent, what you are! God has His own plan for making something else of you, and it is a plan which you are mostly too dumb to understand.”
–from a journal of Thomas Merton, my favorite monk
I am reconciled about who I am…
A Muppet for Christ.
When I first had this epiphany/shot of insight, I didn’t feel peace about it…
See, I wanted to be Maria…from the Sound of Music! So beautiful and industrious and holy…and a talented singer to boot! (and if I ended up with a Captain Von Trapp…well…come to mama, baby!)
Or Courtney Joseph on YouTube, just oozing femininity right down to her thick, wavy hair and sweet, musical voice (I love the way she says “Je-SUS”).
I had visions of me in long flowing dresses, a beatific aura radiating around me, gliding along serenely as I effortlessly herded a group of cherubic offspring to and fro…
And the Lord was like, “Oh, puh-LEEZ! Stop! You’re killing me!” as He busted a gut.
And Jesus was like, “Girl, how would I recognize you like that?”
And the Holy Spirit was like, “Dude, that is so NOT YOU and you know it.”
Okay, so, in my defense, I thought that was what a “church lady” was supposed to be. Of course, I was using some “world standard” of my own fabrication. Now I realize I can be me AND go running through the hills singing (ahem…not that I’ve ever done that, or would admit to doing that, for real).
I am a spaz. I call people “dude” and “chick” and listen to “Jesus metal.” I wave my hands around when I speak and make expressions only seen previously on cartoon characters’ faces. I AM A MUPPET FOR CHRIST!
Oscar Wilde said “Be yourself; everybody else is taken.”
The Bible (Ephesians 2:10) says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
The world needs YOU.
Just as you were created to be.
Just as you are.
Be reconciled, my friends, be reconciled.
And, yes, you WILL find peace.