There is a quote that usually gets attributed to Albert Einstein that says, “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” While there is almost zero evidence that this is something that Einstein ever said, the quote still holds some heavy truths that we have a hard time embracing.
For most people, the judgment they fear coming from other people doesn’t exist nearly as much as they think it does; and absolutely pales in comparison to the judgment they heap upon themselves. We compare our internal monologue to someone else’s highlight reel. Very few people have the guts to be vulnerable, to share the hard times and the good times in equal measure. We are bombarded by people who seem to be completely crushing it at life.
We see them and think, “they are doing something right, and I am doing something wrong.” We forget that we have different skills, abilities, and obligations. Yes, that travel blogger is in an amazing new place every week, but they have no kids and a massive trust fund.
But we were never called to hold ourselves to the standards of other people. Through Christ’s death on the cross we are a part of the new covenant that allows us to live into being the people God created us to be. Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 says it this way,
12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Go and be the person God has called you to be. Live boldly not worrying about someone who was given a different purpose. If you’re a fish, learn to swim.