Hang on friends, this time we are going in deep.
Have you ever noticed when you are feeling a little down about something and you verbalize it to a friend, or write it out – all of a sudden it loses power over you – and feels like you are able to dust your metaphorical pants off and keep on? Well here’s my attempt at airing it out – because I have the feeling I’m not the only one…
My grandparents have a cabin that they built themselves, which meant we’d go there often as kids. This is where we worked on several project together. I remember loving to help with any projects – and I credit this experience to how I learned to love woodworking, painting and home DIY.
In middle school I had the option of home-ec. or shop class, and of course you know I chose shop class. It was so much fun learning to build things and have all the tools to practice with. I built my first piece of furniture in 8th grade – and it’s still around today. I was also awarded “Shop Kid of the Year” in 8th grade.
In college, if you asked me what I really wanted to do, it was “build stuff”. I wasn’t sure what degree that translated into exactly, so I chose Engineering (I do love problem solving)! I figured this would get me closer to that goal of working with my hands somehow. I was one of 5 girls in classes of 100, so I ran with the boys, and it was grand.
I helped teach my (now) husband how to change his oil, and he gave me a tool kit for Christmas when we were first dating. I’ve always been hands on and unafraid of power tools and creating things with my hands.
When I was a new mom and began staying at home, I was bored – so I took up projects as I found them. I started making our house homey by painting furniture and trying to tie it all together. All of this to say, I’m not really a “tom-boy” but definitely not a girly-girl. I love painted nails, and all things girly, I just happen to be handier than some men 😉
Here are a few of the truths I’ve found to hang on to when I’m feeling that I just don’t fit in with “normal” (whatever that is).
1. We are all unique (not special)
” God does not love us equally… he loves us uniquely.” Lisa Bevere
I love this quote because it also means we are each made uniquely. If we are all special, than none of us are special. But we are unique. We all have individual gifts, talents and abilities that will be applied in our lives completely differently than in any one elses life. This is a truth we must stand firm on. When you are feeling like you just don’t know where your gifting fits in or how to use your gifts, don’t give up! Keep practicing them, perfecting them, working them out. You never know when you may find exactly where you fit and you want to be ready.
2. Spiritual Warfare happens when you are doing big things (or on the verge of doing big things)
“I didn’t bring you here to meet their expectations. I brought you here to be my expression. -God” Steven Furtick
It’s usually when we are just finishing up a big project, or starting a new one that we don’t feel like we are ready for, that the enemy starts whispering in our ear, “you aren’t good enough” or “you don’t have what it takes” or “you are weird”. And we have to recognize that for what it is – speak the truth over ourselves “I am complete in Christ” or “I can do all things through Him who give me strength” or “I am made in the image of God”. We have to repeat these truths to ourselves as often as needed until the lies are inaudible.
3. Find your people, they do exist
“You find your people…you find your person, and you lean on them.” Meredith Grey (yeah, it’s a Greys Anatomy quote – but it just fits so well!)
When I just started staying home and was eager to do some kind of project was when it really felt like the world of blogging was just taking off. All of a sudden there were all these WOMEN doing DIY projects, building things, creating things – and suddenly I didn’t feel so alone in my world. Now, I firmly believe in having real life local friends you can spend time with – but sometimes you’ll also meet great online friends, and they can be a great encouragement to you!
4. Let your freak flag fly!
“Who you are is more important than anything you’ll ever do. Once you actually know who you are, you are positioned to do what you are created to do.” Lisa Bevere
This follows closely with #1. Once you know what your gifts are and what you enjoy and what makes you tick – go for it whole-heartedly. Oh, and be a blessing to others who may enjoy the same things you do by sharing your giftings and being real in the process.
So if you sometimes are feeling a little down, or that you just haven’t found where you belong, there’s hope. And more than likely you are not alone! Here’s to being funky and weird and more alike than we even realize!
Jenni
