Unmasked

Last week I drove by a parade of preschoolers in their Halloween costumes. They were being led around the block by a small band! Some kids were walking on tiptoes; others were stretching arms and legs. They were having so much fun! It was entertaining to watch them pretend to be someone or something they weren’t. Little kids seem to love to fantasize.

I know many adults who are good at pretending. They wear masks as they walk through their day. I’ve seen smiles hide anxiety and constant pain. I’ve recognized anger coming from deep hurts and addictions. I’ve heard excuses meant to cover fears and uncertainties.

Ultimately many adults decide to take off their masks. The realities of life become too difficult to carry and too difficult to hide. For adults it can be a real struggle to reveal personal stories. Being honest can bring consequences. Some consequences are perceived but honesty can also lead to traumatic experiences. What will people think? Will I appear weak or out of control? Who might be affected by what I reveal? How much is too much to tell?

It is not easy to reveal the realities of our lives. It requires us to be honest about where we are in life, what we are doing, what we aren’t doing, what we could be doing, and why we are holding on to things that are taking us places we don’t want to be going. Finding friends for support, to pray with us, and hold us accountable helps us be successful.

For me, honesty starts with the person who is first in my life. Is it me or is it God? Is God leading me or am I going it alone? Am I feeling God’s comfort and peace or am I troubled and sad? When I do the things I don’t want to do, am I remembering that God is present to save me, forgive me and put me on the right path? Do I hold in my heart the One who created me and do I believe that He is THE ONE Who is best to help me get on the path I am to follow? Adjusting my life to more of Him and less of me allows Him to lead me where I should be.

Scripture Thought for Today: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)