Like everyone else, I go about, a lot
Going and coming. Like everyone else
I dress up, look like I left my aches at home
Though they follow me every step.
Like everyone else, my face spreads
In expected smiles though my heart drowns
In tears unshed; I don’t mean to deceive
I don’t mean to pretend. I call it coping
Trying, striving, living my world the best
I can, like everyone else: that’s what we do.

Food For Thought: Whether we like it or not, accept them or not, there are expectations, emanating from us or projected on us. The categories are countless; as parents, siblings, neighbors, colleagues, students, workers, children, teenagers, adults, singles, married, young, old, male, female, rich, poor, tall, short, educated, illiterate, etc. You can go on and fill out the rest. Society projects specific expectations on each category and like everyone else, falling in line is the acceptable. Compliance is norm but deviations attract attention. It says, “I’m not and will not be like everyone else. I am different and I dare.” Standing out ruffles feathers depending on which side you choose and how far from the norm you go. We can elect to dress up each day and go about like everyone else but until we discover our uniqueness and invest our very best into it, we will continue to be and eventually end up like everyone else. When we find and appreciate our peculiarities and learn to make the most of it, we stand out.

Scripture: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4: 6.

Prayer: Dear Lord, irrespective of what I have to bear and deal with on a daily basis, help me to never give up: to always give the best I can to all that I have to attend, amen.