…Clique

Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 NKJV

I’ve always struggled with the desire to be accepted. And, the craziest part about it is that I didn’t actually realize the pursuit of acceptance was a constant thread in my life, until recently.

From early in my childhood, I never truly felt like I “belonged”. I attended school with almost no one (I mean, no one) that looked like me until I entered middle school. Then, when my family moved to a new area and I began middle school, I really didn’t “belong” anywhere. Everyone else seemed to already know one another from elementary school and I was thrown into a demographic that I wasn’t all that familiar with. Yet, I adjusted and became a part of the crowd and developed my own cliques…throughout high school, and throughout college.

Fast forward to present day, and I realize that I have strived to excel in my education and in my career with the goal to be regarded as intelligent; to be desired and sought after for my skills, gifts and talents; and to be accepted into what I view as “the leaders” or the creme de la creme in my industry.

My heart tugs towards receiving approval and acceptance into something of meaning and importance. He’s created us this way, and He’s made it clear that He allows us to realize our acceptance in Him (Ephesians 1:5-6 NKJV).

In Him, is the only clique that I’m now actively desiring to be and remain a part of. And more than anything, I am thankful to God for the heart for just that.

We are accepted.

SM.