Each year we go through a few seasons. When the next year comes around, we go through them again. But what about life? Do we go through seasons in our lives where we become lost and then found?
I sure think so. And, as a matter of fact, when we realize who we are, we can truly start our journey toward being happy.
No. I’m not talking about the kind where you wake up in the morning and stand in front of the mirror telling yourself to put on a smile and to have a good day. I’m talking about the kind of happy that just oozes from you.
Okay, I have to admit I’ve been taking a little longer to read a book than normal. It’s not even a big book, so I really have no excuse other than being a little busy thinking about what the author wrote. And, I’ve been busy with some other things. But, still, no excuse for taking as long as I have.
To all the men, boys, and fathers out there, I highly recommend it. The book is Wild at Heart by John Eldredge.
The chapter that has had me thinking recently is about losing your false self. Something I’ve actually been working on. Admittedly, for a few years now.
So, before I touch on what stuck out at me in the book, I want to say this: When you are really ready to let go of your false self, hang on because it’s going to be a wild, frustrating, sad, crazy, happy, fulfilling ride! (Yes, that’s a whole lot of conflicting feelings. And, you’ll go through all of them and more.)
“The real journey begins when the false self fails.”
WOAH! That’s kind of heavy. But… It’s SO true. When you realize that you’ve been trying to fool yourself into being something you really aren’t, things are bound to get bumpy.
Earlier in the chapter, the author highlights a few passages from the bible.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
– Proverbs 16:25
It might seem right, that false self, but if it isn’t real? Then, sure, it’s your death. Not a physical death, but the death of your true self.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
– Luke 9:24
Your true self should NEVER be tied to what others think. It should NEVER be based on what you think others value you at. There is only one who you should work toward pleasing. When you set aside all the other nonsense, and learn about who the real you is? WOW! Life will not feel like you’re just going through the motions for everyone else. It will feel energizing. It will be a joy.
You will wake up one day and realize you kicked your false self to the curb and you’ll thank yourself.