Transparency

I know it has been a while since I have written. I have been busy with preparing for vacation, vacation, and recuperating from vacation. So, now I am back!

Have you ever met someone who kept to themselves and would never share a struggle or problem- and when they did share something, it is about how great things are going in their life? It is as if by admitting that they are struggling, they are giving in to defeat.

I have been thinking a lot lately about transparency-Allowing people to see the real me- In my 15 years of ministry this has been the greatest lesson I have learned.

Have you ever looked through a glass table, glass door, or window? (if you answered no to this, you really need to get out more often) The thing about the glass is- you can see scratches, cracks and any other imperfections in the glass, however, you can still see through it.

Our lives are a lot like the glass- we all have scratches that people can see, but when you are a child of God, it is not the scratches that people will focus on- it is what is on the other side of the scratches- Jesus' shining light!

When we are determined not to hide the scratches in our lives, we become real to the people around us. A real person, with real struggles. Many times, it is through these struggles that God uses us to be a blessing or "light" to others. If we are constantly trying to cover these struggles - then we run the risk of not allowing God's glory to shine.