As a staff, we listened to a TED Talk last week and the speaker was talking about living vulnerably. What? That sounds scary to me but I could relate to her observations. To be vulnerable means I must be real. The world we inhabit is filled with perfect Instagram and Facebook lives. Portraying a perfect life doesn’t make it real though. It usually increases those feelings of insecurity and puts up even more walls around authenticity. When I live in a guarded way, to block out the unpleasant emotions, I also block the pleasant emotions. If I live in fear, I can’t experience joy. If I live in denial, I can’t be grateful. Hmm…
I’m challenging myself to live a more authentic life so I can fully experience the daily joys and be grateful for even the small things in my day. The unexpected Starbucks’ treat on my desk. The innocent laughter of a 1st grader. The bunny eating leaves in my yard.
I’m choosing (remind me that I wrote this down for many people to read) to live through the uncomfortable moments and live in a real way so I can experience more joy. Joy! I need more joy.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24 NLT