So often I am afraid of really being
me. I omit things that could potentially lead to being made fun of or thought
of "differently". A question I am beginning to ask myself is:
"Why not be different?" Why should I hide what truly makes me happy
just so that I can have a mediocre time with mediocre people who live mediocre
lives for fear of being different? Well my answer is, I shouldn't. And not only
that, but I'm not going to do it anymore. If I enjoy watching children's
animated movies as a twenty-something year old because there is a hint of adult
humor and life lessons hidden in music and cartoon characters, then I should
own it! Especially because if I do enjoy this and decide to surround myself
with those who turn their noses at this, then will I ever experience something
that brings me genuine happiness? NO. I will get to experience mediocrity, and
I wasn't born to live out a mediocre life.
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)
Let's break it down.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world- I know the first thing that comes to mind is to not follow worldly patterns that are sinful. But let's think beyond the big categories that are obvious things to steer clear of. Let's think day-to-day stuff. Like watching, enjoying, and appreciating Disney movies. Or how about OWNING my teaching style. As I had to [painfully] video tape myself and watch it (with my mentor) in order to better my teaching, we answered reflection questions and I was honestly embarrassed. I felt as if watching this tape from the outside looking in was chaotic. 10 kids sprawled out on the carpet, the other 10 at their desks. We were learning about math mountains, partners of a number, and addition. Everyone was engaged, but no one was sitting criss-cross-applesauce or in their chair. Embarrassed. But my mentor looked at me and explained that she was watching what worked for my class and to own it. Clear routines and transitions were in place, even if it wasn't "traditional". Why should I conform to the pattern of the teaching world of having my whole class sit on the carpet and get 10% of what I'm trying to teach when it's proven to be beneficial to split them up, let them stretch out, talk to partners, and actually understand 80% or more of what I'm teaching? I shouldn't. I should own it. I am owning it. I am proud of what a "crowd-control" vision has evolved into.
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind- this goes hand in hand with not conforming. Let me explain to you the joy I've found since beginning to OWN IT. I went to grab coffee/cheesecake with a new friend who I look up to greatly and absolutely adore. Owning the fact of loving Disney movies, the Lord, volleyball, and cheesecake led to a wonderful meetup where we lost track of time and just truly enjoyed each other's company. Had I been afraid to really be me, I would have missed out on so much. My mind was renewed because my heart was allowed to be free.
Then you will be able to test and approve God's good, pleasing and perfect will- Hey guess what! God gave me desires that make both He and myself happy. So liking Disney movies is okay with Him. And choosing to try and reach all of my students in a non-traditional way is also okay with Him. Which must mean God's will for me is to not try and hide what I enjoy if it is not sinful. It also must mean that God's perfect will for my life does not mean that I am to be perfect, it means I am to look towards the One who is. So often we think of asking for the BIG things and brush off the "small" ones. Who chooses what is big and small anyways? I was driving the other day from my parents house to mine with my niece who was just so exhausted all she could do was cry. As we were driving back to my house, I prayed to the Lord to just give her peace of mind and let her rest. Before we were out of my parent's driveway, she was asleep. When we arrived at my place, she couldn't even wake up enough to help me unbuckle her. How often have I been frustrated with something I consider to be small instead of just asking God for peace and patience? (too often is the answer to that question)
I am challenging you (and me) to really own who you are! If you love to do something that is against the norm but isn't harmful to you physically, spiritually, and emotionally, then own it. Don't be afraid to be a little different because you never know who else is afraid to show it. And once you own it, others will own it, and then you will have others to enjoy this "different" thing with, and then it isn't all so different after all. All that you do, do for the glory of God. Watch a movie you like - and own it. Keep your students safe, but teach them in a completely different manner - and own it. Play the saxophone when you're bored - and own it. Write a blog about whatever God places on your heart - and own it. Own it all ... OWN YOU!
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)
Let's break it down.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world- I know the first thing that comes to mind is to not follow worldly patterns that are sinful. But let's think beyond the big categories that are obvious things to steer clear of. Let's think day-to-day stuff. Like watching, enjoying, and appreciating Disney movies. Or how about OWNING my teaching style. As I had to [painfully] video tape myself and watch it (with my mentor) in order to better my teaching, we answered reflection questions and I was honestly embarrassed. I felt as if watching this tape from the outside looking in was chaotic. 10 kids sprawled out on the carpet, the other 10 at their desks. We were learning about math mountains, partners of a number, and addition. Everyone was engaged, but no one was sitting criss-cross-applesauce or in their chair. Embarrassed. But my mentor looked at me and explained that she was watching what worked for my class and to own it. Clear routines and transitions were in place, even if it wasn't "traditional". Why should I conform to the pattern of the teaching world of having my whole class sit on the carpet and get 10% of what I'm trying to teach when it's proven to be beneficial to split them up, let them stretch out, talk to partners, and actually understand 80% or more of what I'm teaching? I shouldn't. I should own it. I am owning it. I am proud of what a "crowd-control" vision has evolved into.
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind- this goes hand in hand with not conforming. Let me explain to you the joy I've found since beginning to OWN IT. I went to grab coffee/cheesecake with a new friend who I look up to greatly and absolutely adore. Owning the fact of loving Disney movies, the Lord, volleyball, and cheesecake led to a wonderful meetup where we lost track of time and just truly enjoyed each other's company. Had I been afraid to really be me, I would have missed out on so much. My mind was renewed because my heart was allowed to be free.
Then you will be able to test and approve God's good, pleasing and perfect will- Hey guess what! God gave me desires that make both He and myself happy. So liking Disney movies is okay with Him. And choosing to try and reach all of my students in a non-traditional way is also okay with Him. Which must mean God's will for me is to not try and hide what I enjoy if it is not sinful. It also must mean that God's perfect will for my life does not mean that I am to be perfect, it means I am to look towards the One who is. So often we think of asking for the BIG things and brush off the "small" ones. Who chooses what is big and small anyways? I was driving the other day from my parents house to mine with my niece who was just so exhausted all she could do was cry. As we were driving back to my house, I prayed to the Lord to just give her peace of mind and let her rest. Before we were out of my parent's driveway, she was asleep. When we arrived at my place, she couldn't even wake up enough to help me unbuckle her. How often have I been frustrated with something I consider to be small instead of just asking God for peace and patience? (too often is the answer to that question)
I am challenging you (and me) to really own who you are! If you love to do something that is against the norm but isn't harmful to you physically, spiritually, and emotionally, then own it. Don't be afraid to be a little different because you never know who else is afraid to show it. And once you own it, others will own it, and then you will have others to enjoy this "different" thing with, and then it isn't all so different after all. All that you do, do for the glory of God. Watch a movie you like - and own it. Keep your students safe, but teach them in a completely different manner - and own it. Play the saxophone when you're bored - and own it. Write a blog about whatever God places on your heart - and own it. Own it all ... OWN YOU!
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