Have you ever heard the phrase, “What do you want to be when you grow up”? And have you ever experienced a grown adult look at you with a blank stare when you ask them that?
I am the one with the blank stare, stuttering with ‘uhs’ and ‘ums’.
Once we’ve reached adulthood, people think we are living the answer to this question- in a career.
When you stopped in the middle of a career path, to say, raise your kids, that question truly intimidates a woman when she’s done raising those kids! So, I’ve decided to look at it differently.
Many people who know me, know I’m a self-admitted airhead. Why do I call myself that? Well, no matter how hard I try, I have more ‘duh’ moments than I care to admit! It’s just a part of who I am. I was once told I was quirky- I’m still not sure if that was a compliment. It’s just something someone saw in me. I’ve been told I’m strong, independent, faithful, calm, harsh, too honest…oh the things I’ve heard I am. But today I ‘m reflecting on what I see in myself (besides an airhead). I don’t see strength- but I see God strong in me. I don’t see independent, as I am fully dependent on the Lord. I do see myself as faithful. I believe and trust in an awesome God! These are pieces that make up parts of who I am.
I’m compassionate, caring, hard-working and decisive- I am many things. These little adjectives are the description of us- how we interact with others, the measure of a giving heart, the way we handle life.
These are my quilt pieces!
These pieces build on each other throughout life to form who we are.
I’ve begun to answer the question of “what do you want to be when you grow up?” with more than a stated career, position or opportunity on the horizon; because at the end of it all, who we are is much more than temporary positions and name plaques on a desk, and I have no desire to allow these things to define who I am.
I can sit and contemplate what I’m made to do for days, years even. That’s what people mean by this always present question, right? I still haven’t come up with an answer. I honestly am not too concerned about wondering what to do, I’d rather contemplate what I want to be. Every part of that answer begins with Jesus and ends with my Father above.
What I want to be when I grow up is a passionate woman, continuously seeking the face of God. I want to be a human being that sees another human being in every face I encounter. I want to be a wife who prays, a mother who prays, a daughter who prays, and a friend who prays. When I grow up, I want to be better than the person I was yesterday. I don’t want to live in fear, or dwell in the pits of anger. When I see a simple, small blue bird fly by, I want to be appreciative of all life, large and small. I want to give more than I receive, and love deeper than I ever thought possible.
What do I want to be when I grow up? I want to be the woman God has called me to be. In everything I do, let me be that woman.
**(please leave your thoughts, comments, and prayer requests below. You can also use the contact page! Thank you for stopping by- Lisa)
Authentic Truths 