Genuine

Last week was a blur. Kyle and I flew to California to say good bye to his uncle. I don't remember much of last week. The only thing that continues to be said in my head is the word "genuine." What does this word really mean? Many people at the funeral said "Uncle Jim was a genuine guy." How does one become genuine? When I think of what that word means I think of people that are real and true to who they are and don't falter in anyway. Can anyone really be genuine? So many things influence us in our lives and cause us to change. Maybe genuine means you get what you see. If that is the case, how often do we actually get what see? I think back to a lesson I learned a long time ago. We all wears masks. Work masks, Family masks, Friends masks, relationship masks, and so on. What does it take to strip away the masks and really just be us, be bare for the world to see. How would the world be different if we all just were allowed to be ourselves? How scary would it be? How wonderful would it be? I think this is why I work with kids with special needs. There are no mask with them. Its easy. I get what I see.

But I think for everyone else to come to this point in our world it would have to be followed by loving everyone. For Uncle Jim, every time someone said he was "genuine" it was also followed by, "he loved everyone." This concept is so difficult for me because I believe the word "love" is thrown around so much that I keep it close. I think it is amazing when someone can really open up and love everyone. I know that for me it is difficult, it is difficult for me to accept love and give it. I think of the message we heard at church yesterday. Jesus loved and showed love. First thing he did is, Jesus gave himself, relationally, making himself available. In Jesus, he demands that we give self, not just finances. Jesus viewed generosity as a means of service and not power. Jesus always brought value to people when he served them. Being humbled, and putting their person ahead of himself.  I think this is what is means to be genuine and love everyone. The funny thing is I serve, I serve in my own way and this is how I show love. I won't hug, or say it, but if you find yourself being brought a meal, being thrown a party, being brought a treat, being painted something or being made a cake you'll know that I do indeed love you. The hurdle to  leap across is giving myself relationally. It's difficult. I know it is demanded of me. And I thank all the people in my lives that cause me to squirm because you give me hugs. Day by Day I am being molded. Forever on the potters wheel.