We seem to be living in a one-size-fits-all world right now. Don’t you wish it was true when you see that label on an oversized sweatshirt, gloves or maybe a hat? Are they saying it really doesn’t matter if it fits too loosely or is too tight? The look doesn’t matter, it’s the fact that you own one of these fantastic, one-size, trendy items….What? Are they too lazy to make them in a variety of sizes so their owners can feel comfortable as well as fashionable? What is wrong with this one-size idea? Let’s think about it for a minute.
First off, we are not all a size 6, which seems to be the fashion industry’s favorite size. Ever notice when shopping for lady’s clothes, for example, everything is made to fit tiny, perfectly proportioned bodies with no bumps or bulges….how many people like that do you know??? It just dawned on me….which happens often when I’m writing….maybe that’s why the perfectly proportioned, size 6 clothes are always the ones left on the racks!
Let’s face it, we are all different and have different needs, sizes and proportions so the idea of one size fits all will never work out well for everybody. The labels on our food say their contents and calorie counts, etc. are based on a 2000 calorie diet….but I read that most people consume at least 3000 calories a day. Everything is determined on an average, but let’s face it, we are not all average….a word often interpreted to mean normal.
So what happens to those of us who do not fit into the average category? We either compromise and wear the ill-fitting, one-size clothing and try to stick to the 2000 calorie diet so we can be included and considered normal…. or we get left out.
The problem is, everyone is expected to follow certain predetermined ideas of what is normal and what is considered to be right for everyone. It’s not just the fashion or the food industry; this average way of thinking has infiltrated other areas of our lives and had a most adverse affect on our young people. Kids are obsessed with being normal and being accepted by the size 6 population.
It’s time we encourage our young people to embrace a different concept….not new, and maybe considered old-fashioned, but proven to be true…. that we have a third choice: Become above average and go beyond normal by finding the one thing you are good at and sticking to it. Hard work and determination are still the best ways to promote change. If you feel there’s no place for you and your ideas, make one! Everyone thought the Wright brothers were crazy when they wanted to fly, but they did it! Everything starts with an idea, a concept, and a need for improvement or change.
Young people, if you will take some advice: Don’t accept the ideas of others without proving to yourself first that they are true. Do they go along with what you truly believe? If something sounds not right for you, then it probably isn’t. Never go along just to get along. Listen and consider every logical or sensible concept, but don’t follow a friend’s philosophy just to keep him as a friend. Stand up for what you believe too. Your thoughts, feelings and ideas for change are just as important and apt to take off as any.
Most importantly, don’t dream of becoming a size 6 if you are meant to be a 12. Keep your goals reachable and within reason, but never limit what you can do by saying, “I can’t.” Can’t never could do anything. The sky is the limit and all things are possible.
Think of someone you admire and is successful at what he does and find out how he achieved that success. Chances are, it was with sweat and hard work coupled with the determination not to give up or quit. Good things don’t always come easy, but always with a price.
Most of all….and I left the best for last….get to know the One who put you here. We didn’t just evolve from some monkey as science teaches. You were deliberately and fantastically made by the very hands of God. If you acknowledge Him and ask He will guide you in your search for answers to the questions of why you are here and show you the purpose for your life. Let Him direct your path and your steps will be in the right direction and one thing for sure: You’ll never feel left out or left behind. Faith in Him is all it takes. His way is not a one-size-fits-all religion, though there is only one way to get to the Father…. and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is not a religion, it’s a personal relationship that makes a perfect fit. He’ll meet you where you are and accept you in any condition. Don’t ever dismiss Him as some fairy tale character that doesn’t exist, as many would have you do. He is the giver of life and to try to live without a relationship with Him will lead to disaster. Trust Him, try Him and prove for yourself that His words and promises are true. You can believe it when he says, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
