Not Everyone Gets It

One of the things I have been clarifying this year are the people who are actually in the arena with me and those who are my critics (referencing the Man in the Arena speech). It has been difficult at times to admit that someone whose opinion I valued was actually coming from the bleachers...and surprising at times to discover who is out here with me. Somewhere along the way, I had determined whose voices I would listen to, whose opinion mattered to me, but it is dangerously easy to substitute those voices for God's. They are human, they make mistakes, they aren't perfect, they are going to get things wrong...just like me! The voice of Truth comes from God, sometimes through others, but not exclusively and when I lose focus of that truth, my clarity gets clouded.

Now, I am not saying that friends and confidantes are not important. I have many whom I stand with in the struggle, sometimes my struggle, sometimes theirs. We pray together, cry together, battle for truth together. We are open, honest and raw together. When they ask how I'm doing...they really mean it. They want to know whats going well and where the struggle is today. They want to know what God is showing me and where they can be praying for me. And then I ask them how they are doing...and they reciprocate the relationship. I love these dear friends and I cherish knowing I can call on them for love, prayers and support. These are my arena buddies, my warriors.

But not everyone gets it. Some are busy with their own struggles to the point they can't see anyone else's struggle. Some don't understand the battle and the arena yet, they haven't seen it or don't get it yet. Some only see the struggle and don't understand the purpose, they don't get why anyone would be in the arena. And sometimes...sometimes I lose focus of the reason, the purpose, the struggle...and I become my own worst critic.

I am learning to let go of the opinions of those I have discovered don't understand or don't have time to see the reality and battle with me. I am learning to stand close to those who do. And most importantly, I am learning to listen for my voice in the crowd of critics...and shut myself up!