differentiation

“your life is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be opened.” – wayne muller.

a fascinating concept to me in God’s design of the world is the mix of finding out who i am, nurturing those unique qualities, and glorifying him in the world he made by how he made me.

my human brain and people pleasing, southern hospitality tendencies say that “discovering myself” and “self-care” are all selfish pursuits. and my backwards definition of serving others involves minimizing myself and becoming the martyr – as if jesus dying wasn’t enough…woof, how convicting.

except, in fact, my playing small does not serve the world in any big way.
i cannot scatter anything i have not first gathered – peace, joy, love.
what does being my true/authentic self create in the world?

my best service to the world comes when i figure out who i am, what fills my cup, and my unique qualities – then lean in, refine, and grow those to share. the best way to glorify the creator is to be the authentic creation. discovering more pieces, features, elements of my design is a bid for connection from the artist. discovering who i am and what i delight in is a hug from God. uncovering a delight and desire he put in my heart and stepping into it is intimate. self-care is polishing, protecting, and maintenance of the only true gift i have to offer the world. self-awareness is the archeological dig where new layers and features of that gift/treasure get uncovered and dusted off.

more revealed, more to offer.
more polished, brighter reflection.

pursing an interest is being curious about something God put inside me. but the relentless pursuit has to be grounded in the ultimate mission and from being wholly loved. grounded in a beloved identity before i have any love to give. self-awareness must be paired with God-awareness for proper context.

holiness is still the aim, holiness is still ‘other’.
my raw materials headed towards God, headed towards holy, will look different.

at my worst, i feel like i don’t belong.
at my best, i know i have a unique contribution to make.

purpose is how i love the world around me according to my unique making and design. purpose is how i promote human flourishing in a way others cannot.

comparison doesn’t work for outliers – it’s a different category.

holiness.
set apart.
consecrated.
different…in the best way.
uniquely designed.
for a purpose.
other…intentionally.
outlier wiring for an outlier calling.
don’t make common what is holy.

1 peter 5:6,7 msg

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

galatians 6:4,5 msg

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.