As a woman… I’m sure men have it too… But the more I talk to other women I feel like we all have “that moment”. The moment you can look back on and say that moment shaped me- made me who I am today. Whether it made you more courageous, more withdrawn, more insecure, or gave you more faith. I feel like most of us can pinpoint different moments in the course of our lives. Our different seasons in life bring on varying moments that are changing and shaping who we are but also affecting those around us.
Maybe it was that moment when you were five and broke your arm and your best friend went everywhere with you (even to the bathroom) to make sure you were okay. Maybe that’s what makes you want to be conscious of the welfare of your friends. You aspire to be just like her.
Maybe it was that moment in middle school when you were made fun of for having a big nose or not having enough clothes for the week and wearing the same ones over and over that were not in style. Maybe that’s why now you care so deeply about your appearance and what others think about you.
Maybe it was that moment your dad took time to sit in the car and just listen to you when he was supposed to be at work, but made you know that you were more important. Maybe that’s why you value the art of listening.
Maybe it was the moment you completely ate it in high school surrounded by your peers just staring at you that makes you appreciate someone who will first laugh hysterically with you, then pull you up still laughing hysterically and call you a klutz.
Maybe it was that moment you were told you would never be good enough that makes you second-guess every conversation you have and much of what you do.
Maybe it was that moment you almost burnt your parents’ house down cooking fried okra that makes you very aware of where the fire extinguisher is located in your home and why that moment proved to you- cooking is just not your thing.
Maybe it was that moment you met the most selfless, loving human on earth. Who shows you unconditional love and serves you as Christ serves the church that makes you want to give love, honor, and service back.
Maybe it was that moment that you realized you will never be good enough or even remotely close to perfect that makes you constantly rely on God’s grace and mercy knowing He created you, knows you, and loves you as you are. In that moment you know that’s enough. That is all you will ever need.
We’ve all had defining moments that shape us, and another person caused a lot of these moments.
Take a minute and think of what moments you have created for others.
In a moment of frustration with someone else think of the fact that they have had defining moments that make them who they are. Before you’re quick to judge take a step back and realize how we all have had moments that shape our character and thank God for His grace on all of us- that no matter the moments in the past He loves us all in an unfathomable way. His grace covers our insecurities, our fears, our feeling of the need to overcompensate or to be withdrawn. He has shaped our lives and our moments so we cannot only be who we are, but testify to others of His amazing grace and indescribable love.
Think about those that don’t know of His grace and go out and create wonderful, defining moments for others.
Bye Bye... Rut! 