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Security Blankets
Sometimes there's nothing better than cuddling up on the couch and watching a movie or reading a good book under a blanket. It speaks comfort, rest and security.
Many babies and toddlers have that special stuffed animal or favorite blanket that also speak comfort and security. (Maybe not rest.)
Being secure means you are free from danger or threat. You're safe. A blanket is a covering for warmth. It's something you can "hide" under. Comfortable. Safe.
When you step back and think about the general idea about what a security blanket is, it could be many more things than just a blanket. It could be anything we use to remain comfortable, feel safe and hide from reality or putting ourselves out there and doing something different.
Some examples? Your phone while you're sitting in a waiting room instead of talking with the person next to you. Excuses stated to keep you in the clear instead of owning up to your faults and failures. Saying you are good when you are actually struggling. Food and consistently eating more than your body needs. Money buying you everything you need and don't need. Your kids or pets can even be security blankets where you focus all of your attention on them and "hide" behind them instead of confronting a need or investing in your relationship with your spouse.
This is not to say using your phone in the waiting room or having your kids as a priority is wrong. Not at all. But it is to say, is there anything in your life that is being used to escape doing what God has called you to do? Which often means stepping out into some uncomfortable situations you may not want or be used to?
Jesus sent out the disciples two by two to do some pretty crazy but awesome stuff. All they had was a staff, what they wore, and the other person. They could only talk to and rely on people through face to face interaction to help and provide their needs. Translate that to today, uh...not the norm. But aren't people the next most important thing to God? Yes. The second commandment.
What are things in your life that are keeping you hidden from embracing the people God has placed in your life, from the stranger you run into at the grocery store to the closest person in your life you're at odds with?
Maybe it's time to loosen your grip on your security blanket and see what God can do outside of it.
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