Be You

You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

“I thought I’d hate Robotics, but it’s really fun. Thanks for inviting me!” Allyson said as she, Christian, and Deshaun packed up their robotic station. “What shall we call our team?”

“Well, last year we were the Platypi, and we wore platypus costumes to all the meets. We took third place in state!” Christian grinned as he threw a gear at Deshaun.

“Hey, no throwing!” Deshaun said, catching the gear. “We decided that we need costumes again this year. They really helped us stand out from the other teams. You’re okay with standing out, right?”

“Um, I think so! As long as we all wear the funny costumes together,” Allyson replied.

“Oh, yeah. We’ll all wear them and only to meets. Don’t worry, it’s a good time,” Christian said.

As Allyson walked home, she prayed, Jesus, thank you for sending friends who like me for being me. Help me never get caught in the popularity trap again. Amen. Allyson skipped a step or two, grateful for how different her life was from only a year ago.

When Allyson started middle school, she wanted to be one of the popular kids. For a year, she tried hard to think, act, and look like the cool kids, but she was sad and miserable inside. Finally, instead of trying to change herself so she could fit in, Allyson looked for people who would accept her as she was. She found a group of friends who enjoyed the things she did, and she started to have fun when she didn’t have to pretend anymore.

There is a lot of pressure to be things we are not, especially in middle and high school. You may feel pressure to pretend you aren’t as smart as you actually are. You may be told your hobbies and interests are not cool. You may feel like you have to hide your faith. But Jesus knew what he was doing when he gave you your own talents and interests. He knew what he was doing when he made you shy or bold, quiet or loud, artistic or athletic. He has plans for you now and as an adult. Trust that Jesus knew exactly what he was doing when he made you.

Things to Think About

• What makes you different from almost everyone else you know?
• How might Jesus ask you to use your unique characteristics or talents to show the world his love?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Make a list of your interests and hobbies. Start a conversation with one person who likes some of the same things you do.