"Where do I fit in?" was a question I struggled with as a teenager. Our high school was full of groups (some called them cliques) with their own following of like-minded students who shared their mutual interests. Many groups focused on organized school activities such as hobbies, clubs, sports and school-related activities. I would gravitate toward a particular group until I met students who were excited about their club. Then I'd get carried away with their enthusiasm and join them. I took part in music and drama but had to drop out of drama because I got in trouble (don't ask!); competed in gymnastics on the balance beam but had to quit because I couldn't do a cartwheel; joined the chess club (only because of a boy I liked) but lost every game; was part of the long-distance track team but found it boring going around and around (and around) the football field. I joined a prayer club where every morning we gathered at the flag pole and prayed, but stopped coming when the temperature dropped into the "teens"; joined the science club after having some success in the science fair one year, but failed miserably the next year so I dropped out; and joined the NRA at school in order to participate in .22 rifle competition (every high school in Anchorage had a rifle range) and actually won several trophies.
Then there were the students who were committed to causes and marched in protests including having "sit ins" at school. That was compelling and I joined them in a "sit in," but was more motivated to participate because I got out of going to class! Their meetings were too serious and the students critical and often negative so I quit going.
It was interesting participating in so many activities but the gnawing question that continually surfaced was "Where do I belong?" Part of the problem in answering this question was that I shared the interests of each group. When I was with them I felt like I was one of them, but when I was alone I was unsure and confused. I felt like I was a chameleon, forever changing to fit in with the people and the group. The unanswered question remained, where do I fit in?
Discovering where we fit in is part of life. It's exciting and it's scary. We look forward to it and we dread it. Will we be accepted? Will we be rejected? Will we be successful? Will we be a failure? We'll never know until we venture into the unknown. We want to be successful, but true success in life is not found in mastering a skill or attaining material wealth or having honor bestowed on you. It's not about seeing the world or having lots of life experiences although reaping the reward of one's work is admirable and enjoyable. It's about facing your fears, overcoming your hesitation, mastering your weaknesses and developing your strengths. It's about stretching the limits of your capabilities and having courage to investigate the heights of your aspirations. It's about growing into the person God intends for you to be. It's about being vulnerable and understanding the biggest failure you can have in life is not trying at all. A famous philosopher said "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Boldness is the trademark of great men and women of history. We admire those who triumph over impossible odds or defy danger for a great cause. They stand out because of their unrelenting determination, which wins out over the obstacles that face them. Just imagine what can we accomplish if we follow their examples. Who can we choose to be the model who meets and masters all these qualities? Jesus! He risked everything and was the ultimate hero over pain, suffering, failure and even death. What makes Jesus' life unforgettable? It was his love. He did it all for love. As the song says, "Love is never gone, as we travel on, love's what we'll remember. Won't forget, can't regret, what I did for love." Love is the backbone of everything Jesus said or did. Love is the foundation of his message.
His message of love is preached in the church where you will always fit in. What can you learn as you follow Jesus? You'll learn how to face your fears and trust again. You'll learn how to heal and hope again. You'll learn how to grow and expand your horizons. You'll learn how to see and respond to people's needs. You'll learn how to BE like Jesus and how to LOVE like Jesus!