Partners in Parenting

“I Just Don’t Fit In!”

I was in the airport last week waiting for a morning flight.  I hadn’t had a cup of coffee yet, so I was happy to see a Starbucks right next to the gate I was to use for my flight.  I stood in line behind about a dozen people looking for their first cup of coffee too.  Well, I soon found out that I was the only person in line who actually wanted a cup of coffee.  I heard some crazy things coming out of the mouths of customers:

“Frappa…mocha...espressa...latta...two pumps something…ice-chilled…drizzled and frothed something…non-fat…venti…and I think someone even asked for a shot of something (liquor??? and it was 7:15am). 

Seriously, I couldn’t figure out what would finally come across that counter.  The thing I understood most was when people asked for a sleeve for their cup.  I just don’t go to Starbucks much at all, and if I do, I order what I want – COFFEE.

As I neared the counter, I felt kind of embarrassed that I was about to order a medium coffee.  How lame would that sound after all those other orders.  

I ordered. 

The nice lady behind the counter said, “That’s it?”

I replied, “Yes, just coffee – black.”

She kind of smiled, poured the cup, and stated the price.  I paid, and I walked away.

I felt like I didn’t fit in while getting a cup of coffee.  And it made me think about kids – not just kids today, but kids throughout history.  Someone not fitting in is not new for kids or adults.  There are situations and places where we don’t fit in.  I was reminded how important it is to remember where I do “fit in.”

Through faith in Jesus, I am a part of the people of God.  I am a child of the creator of the universe. I am a Christian.  I am a sheep of the Good Shepherd.  I “fit in” perfectly where it really matters. 

Parents, fitting in is something we desire for our children, but sometimes we have to help them remember how important it is to “fit in” in the right places.  “Fitting in” in the wrong places is useless.  Even Jesus didn’t always fit in!!

“Again the Jews pick up stones to stone him.”  John 10:31

Family Discussion Points!

Parents, share a time from your childhood when you wanted to fit in with others.

Kids, talk about the pressures of fitting in that you face today.

Why didn’t Jesus fit in with some of the people from his time on earth?  What is meant by fitting in in the right places and the wrong places?