I never imagined a pizza left on my porch could make me cry. I’d been sick for a few days with a terrible flu and for the first time in so long, I admitted to a good friend through a text message, that “No, I’m not okay.” It’s not something I say often because I’m the one who feels more comfortable taking care of others. Without missing a beat, she told me she wanted to pick up a pizza for my family and drop it off on our porch.
We all have a role we play. For years, my role has mostly been the responsible, type-a leader. The one who plans things and loves looking for ways to help others. It’s the place I naturally gravitate towards. Unfortunately, the “strong one” can become a dangerously lonely place. While I was busy serving everyone else, there was something missing inside of me, I was lonely.
I cried after retrieving the pizza from the porch. That sweet friend….she knew I wasn’t okay and she did something to make my day brighter. The reason she knew I wasn’t okay is because for once, I took the brave route and chose to be honest.
She showed me love in a small, tangible way. A pizza for my family, while I had the flu. This act of love showed me how beautiful things happen when we let other’s know how we’re really doing.
On that day when I was such a mess and I couldn’t fake it any longer, I finally got it. Real friendship begins when you let people know how you really are. When you become relatable, real, genuine. When you let the world know the girl God really created you to be. Did you know that He made you the way you are for a reason and the world needs you to shine brightly, just as you are?
One of my favorite people recently told me that she wants people to love her, not be impressed with her and now, it’s the new prayer in my heart. I no longer want people to be impressed with me, instead, I want them to simply love me.
I want to continue to look for ways to show others love, while being brave enough to let someone love on me. I want authenticity to be my new thing, because beautiful things happen when you shine brightly, just as you are.
Are you desiring deeper friendships in your life? Who can you be real with this week? Who can you show tangible love to?
