Psalm 25:9, "He gives the rejects His hand, and leads them step by step." (MSG)
Over Christmas several of my friends and I joked that we belonged on the Island of Misfit Toys. Ever feel like a misfit? I do. All the time. I don't fit with the uber-Christians and I don't fit with the heathens. I don't fit with the fashionistas and I don't fit with the slobs. I don't fit with the secular writers and I don't fit with the Christian writers. Whenever I take one of those personality tests, I never fit in one particular category. I took one online and discovered I scored in a category that is 1% of the population. The test said it's the most rare personality type. Consequently, I've never been able to proudly proclaim "I'm a Golden Retriever! I'm an Otter! I'm a Phlegmatic! I'm a Choleric!" Instead I've spent a lot of time trying to figure myself out. The lines, they do keep blurring.
And yet, I'm okay with that. I've embraced my one-size-does-not-fit-all life. I like my uniqueness. Sure it would be simpler to pick out a label and proudly wear it affixed to my chest so that everyone knows what they're dealing with. But that's not going to happen. So that's why I picked out today's verse. It spoke to me, as a misfit. The fact that God made me just as I am. That He takes delight in my misfit ways. Even more, He gives me His hand and leads me step-by-step.
Perhaps you needed to remember that He's there for you today. You might feel rejected-- like you don't fit. But you fit: your small hand in His large, capable one, picking your way out along the jagged, rocky path of life. Maybe you've got a child who needs to hear this verse today-- a reminder that when we feel like rejects, He is there with His hand outstretched. There is a place for misfits, and that place is by His side, sticking close, letting Him show us the way.
8 comments:
Dear Marybeth~ This is a great post. Two of my children scored in a category that is 1% of the population. And their personality types are completely opposite! They are amazing people, though and so interesting! They do have a difficult time fitting in but when they find people who understand them, they consider them treasured friends. I love the verse you chose. Thank you so much! Great post!
Cheri
Thank you for this, Marybeth. Glad to know I'm not the only one. I've felt like this my entire life. That verse sure is a word in due season.
Oh yes, I can relate to never really fitting into a group. It was hard while I was in school, but now that I am an adult, I find that there is much freedom in going against the current and being my own person. I find that the misfits are the most interesting people, and though they can't hang a label on themselves, they are special and unique in their own right! Thanks for this, my friend!
Thank you Mary Beth, this is something I have felt about myself all my life. It is a blessing to know I am not alone. And your post also gave me a realization...just because I am a misfit does NOT mean I am a failure, another label I have carried for quite sometime and I somehow managed to equate one with the other. I see you as accomplished in areas I would love to be, mother, wife, entrepreneur, writer, and then I hear you feel like a misfit too. If you can be a misfit and still be those other things, why can't I. God does work in wonderful mysterious ways. Thanks for the boost! Much love to you...
Sheila
thanks so much for your post. I have felt like a misfit for a while and wondered if I was the only one. I bought these misfit little ornaments, to remind me that there are others and how Jesus like Santa in Rudolf, saves us.
Thank you for this post. I just said these words to myself while I was showering!
It's nice to know I'm not the only misfit. I can't say I love it about myself quite like you do, but since I can't fake being like everyone else, I accept it. And I do take some comfort in the fact that God loves me and made me the way I am on purpose.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder!! If we're honest I believe we can all relate in one way or another!! Only if I'd always remember all that matters is who God says I am!!
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