When You Feel Like You Are Too Much

When I was in high school youth group, one night our youth leader gave out fun awards to each member, matching our personality or something silly we had done during that year.

My award? The Crazy Cackle Award.

Let’s just say I’ve never been the quiet type.

When You Connect with People

I love people, and I’m not afraid to introduce myself and start a conversation.

I don’t just talk. I listen, learn, and connect with other people, too.

My kids are used to standing in hallways or waiting in the car while I finish conversations. “Mom, you do talk a lot,” Kiersten, my ever-honest 18-year-old reminded me the other day.

When you are someone who connections with people on a regular basis, whether you are an extrovert or an introvert (it doesn’t matter which), sometimes you will feel like you are too much.

You will second guess yourself. I do this at times.

“Why did I say that? I cannot believe I just say that.”

“She must think I’m such a idiot.”

“Are they laughing about me behind my back right now?”

“If I could go back in time, I would say that totally differently.”

“Did I monopolize the whole conversation?”

Then I rework the conversation in my mind. If I’m not careful, I start to obsess about it.

And I start to get smaller. I want to hole up and hide. I doubt myself — every decision and every turn of the conversation.

When You Feel Like You Are Too Much

Here’s the thing about when you are with people. You are out in the world. You are connecting and this is good.

You won’t always get it right. Okay. So. Give yourself grace and move forward.

Whatever feels like too much about yourself —

too loud

too smart

too bold

too obnoxious

too small

too big

too anything —

Remember that you are as God created you to be in this moment.

Live Your Light

My dear friend, please hear this important truth, written for you to understand at this moment. Let it sink down into your soul.

You are not too much.

Never live small so that others can shine.

Live your light.

When you live as who you are, you point others to Jesus and they see His light shining in You.

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:15-16

A friend once gave me what is perhaps the greatest compliment I have received in my life. She said, “You have this light, Sara, that shines in you. Other people are drawn to it and they want to be around you. There are not that many people in the world who are like you.”

I was touched and humbled by her tremendous compliment, and grateful for it. Her words have carried me far during some of my darkest moments.

Yet I also know a greater truth — it’s not about me. This light is Jesus shining in me. You have it, too, when Jesus shines through you.

Do you ever feel like you are too much? How do you respond when you have these feelings?