The Sunburn Sneak Attack

March: 
Be Involved- "In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around.  The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body..." Verses 4&5

Step One: Need Other People 
Step Two: Get To Know New People 


March is my favorite for many reasons. A few of those include: Houston rodeo, St. Patty's Day, March Madness, Spring Break, Spring, Jeep Weather... etc.  March is awesome.  But, one thing that I can always count on from March is the sneaky sunburn.  You know what I'm talking about, the accidental-just-talking-outside-in-the-pretty-weather-sunburn.  

While I gladly welcomed a little sun to my Irish/German paleness, I in no way expected to swelter hours later in stinging remembrance of the sun.  As I sit here, I can feel the heat radiating from my legs, through my jeans, and onto my arms.  March's sunburn sneak attack.  It gets me every year.

It's funny to me how sneaky a sunburn in March can be.  I guess it's because we've been cooped up all winter, and are just now baring our skin, but you would think a clear sunny day would give it away.  I mean, come on, it's not rocket science. Or maybe it is, something about rockets and the sun seem to go together. 

Here's how it happened for me today.  I went for a run, and if I'm honest, it was the longest I've ran. Ever.  Okay, it was 5 miles, but let's face it, that's a lot! (All of your marathon runners can keep the comments to yourself.)  I am training for a 10k with my friend Nicole, and today, I felt great.  Afterward, as I refueled, I sat by the pool and talked to my aunt Lisa.  It was a gorgeous day, and I basked in the sun, enjoying it's warmth.  It was perfect weather, and I never felt hot-- until now.  That sun crept up on me, and tricked me into believing it was as good as it felt.

I think pride is the same way.  In the beginning, feeling good about yourself feels great, like fresh Spring sun.  But, after a while, pride stings with regret. 

March's goal is to be involved.  My first step is to need others, but my second step is to get to know new people.  I recently attended a wedding with my friend Jill. She was gushing over the people she had just met stating, "I've met so many cool people here! Like people I would call to hang out with! I love meeting new people."  My response? Yeah, that's not my thing.  If I'm honest, I don't really enjoy meeting new people. It's kind of awkward, a little uncomfortable, and really, will you ever see them again? 

But, if I truly am trying to accomplish March's goal and verse, I need to meet new people. I need to remember that I am a part of a body-- Christ's body.  It's not just me and my awesomeness... or lack thereof.