Life With Others

I’m not the only one to worry about another’s opinion. We choose our outfits, our profile pictures, maybe even our careers because of others’ opinions.

I’ve been swapping out drugstore makeup for organic and natural products. I was totally buying into this eco-friendly, all-natural fad. I was feeling empowered and enlightened and a bit self-righteous, until I noticed that all my organic products, including my soap, are wrapped in plastic. My priorities feel a bit off.

Christ has opened each of our hearts so that we can open our homes. But hospitality can be daunting, especially as a single person. We worry our apartment isn’t nice enough, and the only thing we can cook is tacos.

What if knowing ourselves isn’t simply a social exercise but also a spiritual one? I can be acceptable to God while also being an introvert.

Chances are you might have been “tiered.” You were placed on a scale and your number didn’t quite measure up to the other person. It hurts. And unfortunately most of us have these stories of when we weren’t good enough for someone else.

We assume we can meaningfully interact with our company while also engaging in texts or social media. It’s simply not true.

If friendship is the place of change, hanging out only with people of our own age and experiences will leave us wanting in some way.