Not Normal

Playing in the snow is so much fun! The snow covers the ground with a soft blanket of goodness. It makes for good sledding, skiing and snow angels.

Recently, I went sledding with my aunt and cousin. None of us are under 25 years of age and no kids with us. I joked that the neighbors were looking out their windows thinking we’re crazy. I imagined them laughing at a group of adults sledding down a hill as if we’re kids. It didn’t stop us though we continued to push one another down the hill. We tried sledding in different positions and occasionally took a break to make a snow angel or a few snow balls. My cousin pointed out her favorite thing about snow is that it conforms to your butt when you sit down in a large pile which makes it perfect for resting.

Here we were playing in the snow. It was a joyful scene of adults finding that childlike joy inside. Yet, I had to make a joke about what others were thinking of us. Isn’t that the truth? We are constantly wondering what other people think of us. Are they admiring us because we’re having so much fun? Are we wasting time? Making the right decisions? Dressing right? Standing straight? Walking funny?

What do others think?

What a dangerous thought because it calls us to become normal. It suddenly stops us from being our self and encourages us to be what others think we should be. What others consider normal. Often when we are “not normal” the world takes notice and begins to comment. That is why the question, “What do others think?” is ingrained in us.

So, I argue that we stop trying to be normal Christians. Instead, be abnormal. So that we are different from the standards of this world and people take notice. They notice the abnormal forgiving love. They notice the abnormal joy in death. They notice the abnormal seat we take with the poor.

It is time for us to be abnormal so that we can show the world that God’s Kingdom covers this world with a blanket of goodness!