Who are you?” God gently nudged me to answer this question as I went out for my morning walk. Of course, He already knew the answer, but the question is, “Did I?” At forty-six years old, I am nearing the place in my life where my fledglings will fly my nest, and I will be defining myself in a different manner. While I remain their mother, my everyday will contain more free time and less chauffeuring giggly girls and rambunctious boys. My days will be a little calmer, with more space for my interests and ventures.
As I wrestle with what this will look like and how I will embrace this new season, I am drawn to looking inward and upward. What is the Lord asking of me? Where is He asking me to grow my gifts and talents. What is He asking me to share and pursue? Saint Paul reminds us, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7.
So, this crisp morning, as I briskly entered the frigid morning air, I asked myself the hard question, “Who are you?” What I arrived at was simple yet astounding. The person I am is the beautiful daughter that God created me to be. I am all He dreamt I would be. When He created me in His hands, He chose all the character traits, quirks, attributes, and even qualities I perceive as flaws. As the Divine Creator, He felt my unique mix of created goodness was beautiful. Each of my qualities added beauty and wonder. As He dreamt me into being, He knew exactly what He created me to be. I am His masterpiece.
When I am honest with myself, I will admit that I struggle with desiring to be something other than I am somedays. I long for wittiness and knowledge, among other traits. As I see those who surround me, who slip in and out my days, I notice their desirable gifts and long for them to be mine. I work to develop those traits. Yet, I am not them, nor was I created to be them.
My daughter recently received a dress making kit for Christmas, complete with mannequins, fabrics, and embellishments. The array of astounding dresses she creates amazes me. We look at them and bring them to life in our imaginations, talking about the events that the gowns were created to be worn to. As I bring these all to mind, I am reminded that it is impossible for a leopard dress to be a floral gown, complete with lace. Meant for entirely different occasions, one cannot replace or (appropriately) step in for another. It would not be fitting. Nor can one of us. It would not be fitting. “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.” Ephesians 2: 10
Call To Act: “Who are you?” I wonder do you often make time to reflect on this significant question? Do you ask yourself what you stand for and exactly who God created you to be? Could it be that you have overlooked this integral question? I encourage you to take some time this week to sit with this question and reflect, sister. Invite the Lord in, ask Him to reveal some of His elegant design for you. He is the Maker. He knows the plan. I pray you are able to open your heart to see His Divine Masterpiece as you look inward.
St. Therese’ of Lisieux, pray for us that we may discover our unique beauty. Ask the Lord to uncover the gifts He has so masterfully bestowed on each of us. Beg Him to allow us to see how we can best serve Him, always utilizing our talents and embrace who He created us to be.
Photos were taken in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon area in Utah. The array of wildflowers thriving in a variety of environments is stunning. The Lord’s hand is in it all.