I want to be more like Jesus, but fear and sinful nature hold me back. How do I welcome people? The frank and honest answer is- I don't. People scare me. It is a lot of work to talk and think of the right thing to say. I judge too quickly. I take criticism too personally. I am so selfish. I come before the throne of God begging for the opportunity to "welcome them" like He did in Luke 9:11.
As a stay-at-home mom I have a million and one excuses as to why I can't welcome people. It hurts. What do I say? Where do I start? How can I stop apologizing for the state of my house? I don't even want to mention the rejection. Who wants that?
I was recently introduced to a TV show called The Middle. On the show one of the main characters is a teenage girl named Sue Heck. She is use to rejection. She gets it- a lot. She has tried out for every club and sports team imaginable, yet she keeps going. She keeps trying out. Her joy is barely diminished. It is a weird inspiration for me (I watch too much TV), but an inspiration none the less.
I think of Sue Heck. The smile she has IS contagious (there is an episode where she tries to prove this but again fails miserably because people can't see it or are creeped out by it). But moving on, I think of her as I try to reach out. Challenging myself to just talk to others. It doesn't have to spiritual or debate worthy. It doesn't have to be memorable or emotional. And surprise, surprise- it doesn't have to be about me!
Please pray for me as I work on this whole "welcoming them" challenge. Jesus knows what He is doing with me. I know there is a path just can't always see it.
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