Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The importance of being me


On Halloween, my 13-year-old told me how one of her friends had the "most awesomest costume ever," but she was disappointed because the friend took it off before the end of her first class.

It was too uncomfortable, she said.

I started thinking about what she said, and it hit me in a profound way.

Many people look forward to donning costumes for Halloween. Adopting a new look, a new identity, can be exciting. But after awhile, the novelty of wearing costumes disappear and they become uncomfortable to the point where we only want to cast them aside.

The same could be said for pretense in our daily lives.

How many times do we put on a costume or facade, pretending to be something we're not just to fit in with the crowd? When the novelty of these new friends or this new scene wears off, it isn't so fun and can become uncomfortable.

Granted, this is something I probably should have pointed out to my teenage daughter. Especially considering she's at the age when temptations to fit in can become overwhelming and could lead to poor decision-making.

Many times in the past, I've tried to impress upon Molly the importance of being herself is the only way she will become comfortable with who she truly is. It took me a long time to reach that place; in some ways, I'm not sure I'm completely there.

Are you?

Have an awesome day!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post, Kat.

I think we're all works in progress, huh? I've become more and more comfortable in my own shoes as they years pass by. AND, as my relationship with Christ strengthens....ever notice that? The closer you are to Christ, the more confidence you have in yourself? That's how it is for me.

I get laughs and some people avoid me (I'm annoyingly chipper, especially in the morning, some can't take that)...but I'm OK with that.

So, I'll press on.

Anette J Kres said...

What an apt comparison!

Jane Smith said...

I love the analogy you draw between costumes and trying to impress. It's a wonderful thought, and one I'll consider for a long time. Thank you.