We live in a world where everyone has an excuse. I missed work because I was sick. My dog ate my homework. I am the way I am because "fill in blank" happened to me as a child. It frustrates me to no end to see that everyone, myself included, has an excuse. Everyone has a story, sure. But, does that story really have to make you who you are? Does it have to be the cause of your problems? Do we really have all of these problems, or are we just using what society has taught us our problems are? I believe that we become who we are based on our experiences throughout life, but I do not believe we should let the problems we have faced in the past define our future. Sometimes, things in life are difficult and they do shape our future to some extent. However, letting those difficult situations rule you for the rest of your life is definitely not okay.
We each see ourselves one way or another. But, have you ever thought about what people see when they look at you? I often wonder this. I sometimes wish I could be a fly on the wall and be able to know what people say about me, but then again, would I really want to know? I am the type of person who seeks approval from others. When I don't have someone's approval, I will do everything in my power to change their mind. This is a major problem for me. God has been working with me on it, though. He is teaching me that I only need to seek approval from Christ, not my friends, not my family, not society, but only Him. It is definitely not easy, but I am learning that people cannot define who I am, only I can. So, I ask, who am I? Am I happy being the person I am? Am I really who I wanna be? I believe, there are times for both. I am a sinner, and that is not who I want to be, but I know that God is shaping me to be the person that He wants me to be. Even if others don't like the me that I am, God does, and that is all that matters.
I have some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. These friends know me. I often think they know me better than I know myself. They do not judge me, they call me out--but in a loving way, they look out for me, and they want the best for me. I know that I can depend on my friends to give me their opinion, but then leave the rest to me. If I make the wrong decision, I know they will still be there for me. These girls are the ones who call me out and cry with me, but only because they love me. We can tell each other what we want to work on and expect accountability with that situation. I am blessed beyond belief with my friends. They have taught me that I do not need approval from others, not even them. I need only to do what I think is best and right in God's eyes. I make mistakes all the time, but not once do I hear, "I told you so." For that, I am thankful. I love each of these friends dearly and cannot thank them enough for what I have learned from them over the short time we have known each other.
