Through my short years on this earth, so many things have helped me grow into the person I am today. But one that always comes to mind when this question is asked happened back in middle school or high school.

That season in my life was probably one of the hardest.

At youth group one night, I thought I was being funny and sat in the middle of the group (maybe 15 kids at that point) and one the kids said loud enough for me to hear “always has to be the center of attention.” I heard those words and I was humiliated and embarrassed. What made it worse that the kid that said it…was the boy I had had a crush on for years.

I was devastated. But as I really thought about what he had said, I realized he was right. I always to tried to insert myself into things and I did make things about me.

Having the guy I had a crush on say that about me was humbling and it has changed how I interact with people even now…15 of so years later.

I feel an inner check in my spirit when I am speaking too much, or if I have interjected into a conversation without being invited. That quiet comment has shaped me, and formed me into a quieter person and someone who has come to enjoy being in the background.