It will come as no surprise that I am not what most would call a psychologist or philosopher.
Shoot, I’m not really even much of a theologian. From what I know about myself, I am pretty basic Jesus-is-my-Jam-and-I-want-to-teach-others-about-Him kind of gal.
But hey, it does feel pretty cool to use big words at the beginning of a blog post. #MissionAccomplished
Any who, I am not a profound student of ancient Greek, and in all likelihood, you probably aren’t either. However, most of us have heard the phrase “Know Thyself.”
Although it isn’t Biblical, I do believe it plays a role in our life. Especially as we come to know God and His character more and more over time… Because after all, the Spirit of God does dwell within us.
I got to thinking about the importance of “knowing thyself” last week on my 31st birthday. (Side note: this is not a ploy get drum up extra “Happy Birthday” notes. Although if any readers are inclined to send me gift certificates for free baby sitting, house cleaning or help-this-preggo-put-her-shoes-on service slips, I wouldn’t refuse.)
Back on topic: Birthdays. Reflections. Pondering. They usually go hand in hand, right?
So on my birthday last week, our 3.5 year-old Tiny Human Charis was scheduled to be at “school” all day. And, as it usually happens, my Beloved Husband was scheduled to work crazy late army hours that night and wasn’t expected home until close to midnight. (Way past this preggo’s bedtime.)
As most of you know, we are about 10 weeks into settling into our new community in GA. It’s nice, but the making friends and finding community part is just a bit slow going since we aren’t stationed at an actual military “post.” And because I am not five years old any more, birthdays aren’t nearly as big of a deal as they used to be. (Although some days I could go for a good whack at a piñata.)
I’m an extrovert that loves people… So I knew the last thing I should do on my birthday was be practical and productive by myself at the house. Thus, I set out on an adventure to acquire some new-to-us (AKA, second-hand) baby supplies, complete with a solo lunch at a nice restaurant (preggo approved sushi? Yes please!) and some Thanksgiving feast grocery shopping. (I find joy in weird places these days. Don’t judge.)
By the time I got home with Charis that night around 5pm, I was beat. However, our local army wives were having a small social that I just couldn’t decide whether or not I should attempt to attend.
Then I remembered how God created me: To be a relater, thriving off of interaction with people. I knew myself well enough to realize that if I stayed home for the evening, the prospect of me getting all self-aware of my lonely state would likely drag me into self-pity.
So armed with a few breath prayers, Charis and I rallied to attend this little social.
And I am so glad I did. It wasn’t epic or profound. I (obviously) couldn’t drink the wine offered, and reaffirmed that I am not gifted in the “Pinterest Project” category of life. But for this extrovert, it was fuel for my heart– a guard to keep me from succumbing to a Debbie Downer Birthday Attitude.
Although this post probably sounds all about me-me-ME, it’s not. Well, at least not totally. It’s all about knowing, understanding and embracing how God created each of us individually… and then listening to and getting to know His Spirit within us.
Because in our heads, we know that His Character is Good. God is Love. He has a purpose for our lives. But we have to know that deeply within our hearts.
Because of course, Satan wants to distract us from The Lord’s nature and make us turn our eyes inward, focusing on what we don’t have instead of what we do. That jerk face Satan will mess with our emotions to keep us from capitalizing on what good gifts God has already given us.
So dear readers, I encourage you to dig those heels in and make an effort to Know Thyself with the ultimate goal of getting to Know Him at deeper and deeper levels.
Even if it is something as minor as attending a Pinterest-driven social on your birthday.
Knowing Him More,
“… and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” ~Colossians 3:10
