Going Back to Where it Began

I minored in Psychology in college. And honestly, that doesn't really mean much. But as I thought about where my struggle with trying to earn favor, acceptance, and love began, I was reminded about the nature vs. nurture debates. 

Very intelligent people have claimed each and every side of that issue. I'm in no way smarter than any of them, but I definitely believe the way we are individually wired and the environments we are in play roles together in who we become. It's not nature or nurture; it's both.

But there is something greater than nature or nurture. 

I am the firstborn of four. And I definitely fit most of the birth order traits. I've always been an introvert, a high achiever, self motivated, organized, responsible, and scared to death of getting in trouble and letting people down. 

My parents taught me from a young age to work hard. And I will always be grateful for that. (And I'm sure people I've worked for have been grateful for that.) I learned a work ethic that not many kids have today in our culture. I'm indeed appreciative. But I also know if you add that hard work ethic to the desire to accomplish and achieve, you are just constantly striving.  And that was the case for me. 

But there is something greater than the constant striving.

And as we journey on through this month, I'll share some personal stories that I hope and pray provide some encouragement for anyone who shares this struggle. But for now, be reminded that God's goodness is better than we can imagine; God's kindness is lovelier than we can imagine; God's love is bigger than we can imagine. 

And dear friend, our personalities, our birth orders, our DNAs, our environments, our pasts do not have the last say.

Our Jesus does.

And the grace of Jesus is greater. The sweet grace of Jesus is far greater.