Just Fitting In
I’m sure every adult generation looks back with fond memories of its youth, thinking the current kids either have it so much easier with all their technology, or if they’re like me, think that today’s kids have a lot more weight to bear…more than we ever thought we had. It’s no longer just academic or athletic pressures, but the amount of testing required today is crazy and on top of that, our kids are living in a topsy turvy world, where wrong is right, boys can be girls and girls can be boys…all I can say is I’m glad my kids are grown and out of school.
But what happens when kids fall under all this pressure? You’d like to think that they have a family to nurture them, love them and teach them how to navigate all that they are experiencing. But sadly, not every child has this kind of home life. Some kids will adapt and be fine, but others seek any form of attention or love because they just want to fit in…to be or feel normal.
The problem with fitting in usually means you aren’t where you’re supposed to be. This doesn’t just apply to kids; as adults, we try to keep up with friends or neighbors, but in the end, it usually just leads to more debt and unhappiness. The question we have to ask is why are we trying to fit in? What is missing in our lives that we feel the need to pretend to be who we’re not? Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” God doesn’t want us “fitting in” just to fit in…He knows where you fit. He doesn’t want us to be conformed, or changed, because by doing so, we’re saying God’s design doesn’t work or is insufficient.
In the picture above, we see a mandarin orange slice fitting snuggly in a garlic pod. Right shape and size, but it is definitely out of place. Sometimes, we get comfortable in our surroundings, but eventually, we’re going to start smelling like garlic! It will take courage to seek God and His will for your life, but in the end, you will be in much better place. Remember this…just because you fit in, doesn’t mean you belong there.