Give thanks for all the areas where you’re on the “inside”. Now, invite someone else inside also!
“On the inside.”
What does this term mean to you? It’s probably not about being indoor or outdoor… rather it’s a carry-over from our days in a school or institution.
When Rob and I stopped into a Christian bookstore, one book I leafed through was called, “We Saved You a Seat – Bible Study Book: Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendships” by Lisa-Jo Baker. One of the many statements that stood out to me was about being dissatisfied where we are…
“The thing we don’t realize in highschool, and sometimes we still haven’t learned during the mini-van driving years, is that everyone is on the outside of something.
But that is only half the story.
We are all, each one of us, also on the inside of something
— often without even realizing it.”
Think of the relationships you have with people.
Are you thankful for those you are already connected to?
Maybe if we stop comparing ourselves
in our perceived “in” or “out” spot,
and began giving thanks,
inviting and encouraging others to join us,
our lives would hold more joy…
That’s my thought… what does this bring up in you?
Some of us might find making new friends easy. Some of us might feel daunted.
I’m guessing we might share some discouragement from the past – being or not being part of a group for !oh! so many reasons. Is it time to leave that discomfort behind?
We are all adults now.
And yet…
Being candid, that’s one reason I picked up the book from where today’s Positivity Prompt originates. Friendship amongst women has its ups and downs. It shouldn’t. But it does.
We all need to practice forgiveness, overlooking hurts, and serving each other.
And where some believe this topic is only for teens, consider again. If you’ve ever moved to a new city/state and began forging friendships anew, you might be revisiting some of the issues you felt when you were a teen.
Friendship… making friends and feeling on the “inside/outside” can be difficult.
So be encouraging, and invite a new person into your “inside” friendships… start today!
Who will you reach out to and invite “inside”?
And for whom will you give thanks that you’re already on the “inside”?
I love this, Lori. The reminder to think of areas where we are on the inside was very encouraging to me. I don’t often feel on the inside (and that’s okay, most of the time). But it can become too easy to think that I am never on the inside, when in fact there are times when I am. Just realizing this has given me insight into ways I can bless others in my life who may need an invitation, a welcoming smile of encouragement. Have a great week!
Thanks so much for commenting, Heather – I have a hunch that most of us struggle in this area. I’m so glad you mentioned that it’s OK most of the time not to feel part of what we perceive as the group. I feel that way too – most of the time! 😉
And your point about blessing others makes me think of C.S. Lewis’ take on humility, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” When we reach out, we’re thinking of others more than our self.