Get it Together!

So encourage each other to build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Many of us know people who appear to have it all together. Sometimes we feel intimidated by people like that. They seem to have great marriages, great kids, good jobs, and are spiritually mature. And the fact is they may have or be all these things. However, that doesn't mean they don't struggle with issues just like everyone else. That doesn't mean that at some point they were not intimidated by others who looked like they had it all together too. It just means at some point during their spiritual journey, they realized things had to change, and they sought guidance from the One who really does have it all together. They grew spiritually and let God have more and more control over their lives. But by no means does that imply that they don’t have trials. Everyone has days when they feel less than adequate. They have frustrations, doubts, insecurities and go through hard times.
 
Then there are people who look like they are doing everything right and with ease. But that is only what they want others to think. In reality their lives, in part or in whole, may be in shambles. They are afraid to let anyone see what things are really like. Perhaps it is a control issue or they don't want to be embarrassed. Maybe they feel like they will let people down if they knew how things really were. In any case, there is no need for other people to feel insecure or intimidated by someone who appears to have everything under control. Fact is few people do.
 
When my children were preschoolers, a fellow mom and I were talking and she was surprised to hear me talk about being stressed. She said, “but you always seem to be so calm and together.” My jaw dropped, I'm sure. I almost looked around to see who she was talking to! I could have kept her there for days filling her in on my insecurities and self-described short comings. Once a new friend at church read a post of mine and told me, “it really makes me feel better to know that someone as spiritual as you has problems too.” I just stared at her, dumbfounded. I wanted to crawl under the table. Oh my, if she only knew! Yes, I knew scripture, but I often struggled putting them into practice just like she did. Spiritual? I sure didn't feel like it.
 
Most people who appear to “have it all together” are often just trying to keep it all together. They would welcome an encouraging word, or it would make their day to know that someone was thinking about them. We usually tend to reach out to those we know are struggling, and we should. But even those who appear strong sometimes feel weak. Life still gets hard and knowing someone cares could make all the difference.