I love you just the way you are…and the way you will become

Of all the great songs by Billy Joel, this one's my favorite. The melody and the lyrics…the cool jazz riffs (yeah, I came of age in the 70s and 80s!) I love it all. 

But the theme…the meaning of the title; "I love you just the way you are" is such a God-like statement. I'm so drawn to it. I know that God loves me just the way I am. I don't have to perform to earn His love for me.

You do realize that this is a direct quote from God to you right? He loves you just the way you are right now. Read it slowly…God. Loves. You.

But there's another way to interpret the words of the title of this song. It occured to me the other day that these may not be the words you'd want to hear from those closest to you. 

Why?

Because when people cling too tightly and love you "just the way you are" they can hold you back from becoming "all you can be." It's a shame but often when you start to change and become the person you were meant to be, the most severe opposition comes from those closest to you who love you just the way you are.

Your courage to change becomes a threat to their lack of courage. You are raising the bar and life as it is becomes uncomfortable. They don't want to be someone else and so they resist you becoming someone else. 

Your courage to step out will be met with opposition. Often by those closest to you.

Love them through their shortsightedness. But don't let them hold you back.