{Not Forgotten}: How Others Can Know Jesus is Real

Tolkien Inspired Riddle:

Middle-aged. Middle Earth. Middle child. 

Of these three,

What is the commonality?

Answer:

The most obvious answer would be "middle," 

but, no.

It's me.

Those who really know me (and are good at analogies), would know the three intersected on my birthday (there's middle-aged), when I saw The Hobbit 3: The Battle of Five Armies (and Middle Earth).

And, growing up, I was the second oldest of my mother (the middle child).

Being raised as a middle child, where did that leave me?

An introvert with a tendency toward solitude.

Grandma's floral couch (the one behind my brothers and me) was my hiding place. Whenever we visited her, and I wanted to be alone, I'd crawl behind there and just imagine my own sort of Middle Earth.

At home, there wasn't a place that I could be alone, so I escaped barefooted to the woods that surrounded our house. Shaded from the sun by towering oak and pine trees, I explored the conservation area around Turkey Creek. In my place of solace, I had peace and quiet and room to breathe.

I loved to be alone. And still do.

If it wasn't for the little party of five that I now live with to celebrate my birthday and make me blackberry cobbler (thanks Bright Girl) in lieu of cake and give me roses (good going hubby), I might not have come out of my shell.

Because I like it in there.

It's safe.

But, it's lonely, too.

And, unless you put yourself out there, how will anyone know the things you're going through?

Or how will I know what others are going through?

We need each other.

Because I know that Jesus is always with me, I am never alone.

"For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrew 13:5

Sometimes, I take that too far and spend too much time alone, when I am called to go out and be a light for others.

Love needs hands and feet to feel true.

This thirty-something mama has work to do. It's not natural for me to reach out. But, when I do, it feels so right. And, I know it's what the Lord has planned for me, for all of us.

This is what we're here for. To show others they are not forgotten.

Praying with that person who needs a miracle. Sending off those messy Valentines your children made. Writing that note to another mom who's hurting. These things Matter. 

Because you matter.

Whether you're a first-born go-getter, a middle like me, or a youngest adventurer, there is a place in this world, specifically tailored for you. To be a light for Christ.

One good thing about being a middle-child is that I have no problem having a quiet time. I love to search the Scriptures and find God in ways I've never seen Him before.

Quiet times of solitude with the Lord are good. But, we can't stay there forever. Love isn't meant to be bottled up in our own hearts, it's meant to be shared. We have to come out and be conduits of His love. Pouring our lives into others, so they, too can know Jesus is real.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 

Matthew 5:16