"Ordinary" People

I've always thought myself a "fringe" person. In middle school, it was the cusp of sitting at the cool kids table; college, the cusp between being a trusted friend or just another aquaintance; and now as a parent, the cusp between having it "put together" and any number of steps away from that ideal. I'm guilty of basing my worth on the acceptance of those who I perceive to perpetually be on the "cool" side.

My parents always stressed the importance of acceptance, and so I try hard to include everyone in my personal circle. My own neuroticies (real or not), though, convince me that I'm not always worthy of sitting at the cool kid's table. God has recently convicted me about my own idea.

After the birth of my own Sohl Gal, I suffered from postpardom depression, and as common as this affliction is, I was hesitant to admit this to others. How would others treat me? Would this confession permanently banish me to the "uncool" table? What I came to realize is that I had built up others during the snapshots I'd had into their lives. During my brief observations, I'd made decisions on their "coolness," their "put-together-ness," and in the process defeated my own accomplishments.

For illustrative purposes, I'll share this clip from the National Prayer Breakfast. Click the link, and skip to 18:45. Watch the clip, and then read on.

Whether or not we always agree with political decisions he makes, we'd all agree that to be President, you must have some greater degree of "put-together-ness" than most, as does his staff. They are responsible for major policies, major decisions; they do also, however, still have to brush their teeth, wash their hair, etc. And sometimes, they suffer from public embarassment. Does the fact that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff poured coffee for Mrs. Bush, but forgot President Bush, negate all his decorations, his achievements, and banish him to the "uncool" table? Absolutely not: because he, like I, is an ordinary person, with strengths and weaknesses, celebrations and sadnesses.

So, the next time I feel the urge to compare myself to the "Supermom, Superwife" down the street, I'll remember General Pace and a cup of coffee, and remember that she's an ordinary person, too.

Galatians 6:4-5 - Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.