Are you sure?
This bookmark will be removed from all folders and any saved notes will be permanently removed.
Just be yourself
Originally appeared on spirituality.com
For years I had a tense relationship with a certain family member. Whenever she visited, I found myself trying to do all I could to please her—to no avail. I ended up worn out and resentful, and we didn’t seem to get any closer as a result of my efforts.
Once when I was worrying aloud to a friend about an upcoming visit, she gently remarked, “Oh, just be yourself.” “Just be myself?” I thought. “What a trite, overused bit of advice that is!” I was already trying to be a super version of myself, and even that wasn’t working.
As I usually do in situations like this, I turned to God for inspiration and guidance. Previous prayers of mine had helped me to understand that harmony really is everyone’s natural state because we are all the sons and daughters of one divine, all-loving Parent. So even a longstanding relationship difficulty has to have a spiritual solution. I found a quiet place and took some time to listen for ideas from God regarding this upcoming visit. Interestingly, I couldn’t shake the idea of simply “being myself.”
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
About the author
Melanie Wahlberg is a Christian Science practitioner living in Woodland Hills, California, United States.
