human: n. A person.[1]
It has been one of “those” weeks. Some are harder than others. At every turn it seemed I found myself either saying or doing something stupid, intrusive, or out of order—at least that was how I felt. “Open mouth. Insert foot.” has apparently been my theme song for several days.
Why can’t I keep my mouth shut? Why did I do that? What was I thinking? Right—I wasn’t thinking!
This sort of behavior has me second-guessing myself—continually. Instead of just flowing, I find myself hesitant, then apologizing for things I have said or done. It is the antithesis of what God has taught me, but nonetheless that’s where I’ve been—in a state where I heard myself say as I awakened in the morning, I’m so tired of being human.
When I first began my spiritual walk, in innocence and naivete, I had an unrealistic picture of life. I felt I was something special—a bit (a lot!) better than others. The attitude of "being spiritual” was my virtual sidekick. When anger, doubt, impatience, or fear manifest itself in the reality of living everyday life, I was easily set into a tailspin of self-condemnation.
One particular time, I was sharing a “failure” with a friend. I hadn’t lived up to the requirements of what I thought I should be like or how I should be living. Her response was, “What are you expecting? You are human.”
Boy! Am I ever!!
Even though I have a lifetime of experience with my loving, kind Father, I struggle with finding peace. I wrestle with doubt. I question myself, criticizing aspects of interaction with others.
Life brings with it adversities and challenges. There may be a health issue with a parent, a child struggling to find his/her way. The bottom might drop out of personal budgets as a costly automobile or home repair comes out of nowhere. Family dynamics may become toxic with no ready resolution available. It’s really easy to have patience when there is no stress or pressure. Being kind and caring is a piece of cake when all is well with--and in--the world. Difficult circumstances are revealing.
My walk with God began decades ago. He has continually pushed me beyond my limits, shored me up, and ministered to me. As a bona fide old lady, I can attest to His presence in every aspect of life.
I am human—with more than enough flaws, warts, and foibles to confirm that. That fact also places me on the same plane as every other person in this world. I am no better than…I am no worse. If anything of any value is manifest in my life, it is His work--not mine.
I am human and in good company—the person of Christ. He laid aside his cape of glory, replacing it with the rags of humanity. While He never succumbed to “The Three S’s—Satan, Sin, and Self,” He knew and understood the human factor—and now intercedes in my behalf before God. While walking this earth, I wonder if He ever awakened with the same thought: I’m so tired of being human.
God knows my heart. He loves and accepts me as I am. The great importance is that I accept myself and, in that, accept my humanness. The universal message and hope for all who walk with Him is that He neither judges nor condemns us for being human. We do that to ourselves.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14
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