Unlikely Companions

We all know that girl. That girl who never stops talking when all you want is a second to think. That girl who constantly feels the need to be better than you in everything. That girl who just does not get the hint after you have told her at least a thousand times that you “are busy that day.” That girl who seems to be the embodiment of every single one of your pet peeves. We all know her, and we all cannot stand her.

Now think about something interesting: God not only knows that girl, but He loves that girl with all of his heart. In fact, He loves her just as much as he loves you. But how is that possible? You don’t brag about yourself or pester people. You know when it’s time to be quiet or leave others alone. Why would God love that girl as much as you?

The simplest answer: He made her. He chose to create her and of all of the characteristics He could have imparted on her, He decided on the very ones she now embodies.  In His eyes she is perfect, and there is absolutely nothing about her that bothers Him.  

Surly, this does not mean that you should change yourself to be more like that girl (because, let’s face it, she is one of the most irritating beings you have yet to encounter) but it does mean that you should appreciate and love her.  

It is not an easy task to love someone who gets under your skin, however when you think about it, there is no reason not to.  If God loves and accepts her for who she is, then why can’t you?  

If anything God, the one who is truly flawless in every way, should be able to pick and choose who He loves.  We are in no means perfect and therefore need to realize that if God loves us and can accept our flaws, we should love and accept the flaws of others.  Even if it means loving that girl.

You don’t need to invite her to your next party, or sit with her at lunch, in order to love her.  All you really need to do is recognize her for who she really is – a child of God.  

When you are able to do this, I can guarantee that that girl will not be nearly as irritating as she was in the past.  You will be able to have conversations with her without counting down the seconds until she leaves.  You will be able to hear her name without cringing. And you might even be able to see her as God sees her -perfect.

By seeing her as a perfect creation of God, you will not only be able to see her for the person she really is, but also be able to love her for it. So the next time you pass that girl in the hallway, or on the field, or wherever, try to love her.  Start with a smile, think “if He loves her, so can I,” and give it your best shot.  

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have Loved you, so you must Love one another. By this all men will now that you are my disciples, if you Love one another.” 

The First Step

This is not a blog about friendship advice. This is not a blog about high school. This is not even a blog about Christianity. This is a blog about a journey.  Your journey.  Your journey to finding yourselves, your journey to finding each other, and your journey to finding God.  This journey is into uncharted territory.  Many of you have already attempted to begin this journey and are traveling solo; blazing your own trail, encountering detours, facing speed bumps, and maybe even cowering at mountains that seem impossible to climb.  

However, those of you who are going it alone have made a mistake.  You have ventured into a foreign land without so much as a roadmap or a guide.  You have forgotten that you were not created to travel, even on your own personal journeys, alone. 

Luckily, it is not too late to find a guide who will lead you on a new path, one that will bring opportunities to help you achieve your full potential.  Only your guide will know what is on this path, and although it may seem intimidating, you must place all of your trust in Him.  He promises that, if you walk with Him, your path will be straight and that although you will encounter obstacles, He will never let you fall or leave you stranded.  He is a skilled guide and knows exactly what to do in order to lead you down the path to your final destination.  But before He can do this, He requests one thing from you:

to take 

           the first 

                         step.

It may seem like a daunting task, as stepping onto a new and unknown path usually does.  New beginnings can be both exhilarating and ominous, but with some faith in your guide, a little courage, and some good walking shoes, a new beginning can be a thrilling adventure.  By asking Him to be your guide, you receive not only the comfort of knowing that you have a loyal traveling companion, but also the reassurance that, if you two stick together, you will always be heading in the right direction.  

It is a new opportunity to do something you want to do, be the person you want to be, and to forget about the paths on which you have previously walked.  

Keep in mind that each journey – whether it be across the hall or through life – must start with a single step.  So draw in a deep breath, close your eyes, take a leap of faith, and make that step right now. Your new path awaits.

 Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.