We’re all different. Some weird, some normal, some well-liked, some disliked. Just all different. All trying to do it right and be accepted, be in the in-crowd wherever we find ourselves. But we’re all different and unique.
Who can say why one person can tell a joke and everyone laughs, says he or she is the funniest person ever. Another person tells the exact some joke, same inflections, same tone, and he or she is ignored or turned away from, or made fun of. Put those two people in different crowds and they’ll get opposite reactions.
Why is that? Why are we so fickle? Why can’t we all appreciate and like each other?
And why does it hurt so much? Why can’t we enjoy those who enjoy us and not care so much about the rest? And not care so much about the pecking order? And social protocol?
Why can’t we all accept each other, and laugh together, and encourage each other?
God made us all. In this, we are all the same. Naked we came into this world and naked we’ll go out (Job 1:21). So why are we so judgmental and self-protective while we’re on this earth?
Is there anyone who, at their core, doesn’t just want to be liked? To be accepted? To be cool, or all that?
So why can’t we just say “hi” to people? Take an interest in others, no matter how unique or quirky?
We can try. I try. But at some point, my own insecurities get the better of me. I look for weaknesses in others so that I can say I’m okay. I shy away from connections so that I don’t have to risk my heart, or be vulnerable. I know very well that I’m not perfect. I can only hope that no one else notices. Because they may not like me. Or they’ll think I’m weird. Of course, I am weird because we’re all different.
This is so frustrating. It seems there is no answer.
But I know there is. There’s only one place to go with all my foibles and awkwardness and desire to be liked. There’s only One who sees me, really sees me in all my weakness, judgmentalism, vulnerability and says, “I’ve prepared a place for you. Come eat and drink with me.” (John 14, Is. 55:1)
And as I fellowship with Him, I’ll become more like Him. And I think maybe I’ll find myself liking others a little more. And accepting others a little more. And appreciating the differences and quirks I see. I’ll let others be who they are, right now, in all their weaknesses, and let myself be who I am. And I’ll say, “Let’s eat and drink together. Jesus has a place for us.”
