As I write this, Im wearing my hot pink sweatshirt from college. Now, I just turned 42, so imagine what this article of clothing has been through. In fact, when Rig & Company helped me purge my closet in 2008, this priceless piece was in the burn pile. I had to rescue it; I just couldnt part with this sweatshirt.
With the letters fading and the has been elastic- this threadbare trooper has journeyed with me through my adult life. I dated in this sweatshirt, the wrong guys, and then the right one. This sweatshirt flew through dust and decorating during the construction of our B&B in 1992-93. It welcomed two lovely children in 1995 and 1999. This pink rag hung gently over my sore body for three major surgeries and a health scare. I wiped my nose and tears on this baby when my heart broke from disappointment and hurt. Ive reaped and sown in this sweatshirt, made mistakes and some great decisions. One day I may frame it in a shadow box. Its taken this trip with me and I still love it.
Many quiet times have been spent with pinky and I read and study the Bible so differently during this season of my life. Instead of taking huge sections for reading, I try to memorize more and concentrate on a few verses that resonant with where I am right now. Growing up, our family pretty much stuck with the King James Version Bible. Now, I have been encouraged to read different translations as they can speak something fresh and new to me. In The Message version Romans 8 says, Gods Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. I love the imagery of that verse. Gods Spirit touching mine, it sounds so lovely and poetic. For me, its the end of the verse that I keep chewing on. His Spirit confirms who we really are. So basically, discovering who I really am happens when Gods Spirit touches mine. That sure does sound easy. But why is it so hard to live that out in the reality of everyday life? Whether you or I call ourselves Christian or not, confirming who we really are just isnt that easy- or is it?
This is how that verse is shaking out for me. Based on the Bible, God believes the best about me. He loves me the most, takes the highest interest in me and can do things beyond what I can imagine. I know that to be true because Ive experienced it. He confirms everything good and possible in my life. He takes even the messes and makes them beautiful. And it doesnt necessarily happen overnight. As a friend of ours pointed out, who we are is the quest of life.
I have discovered in my personal walk with God, the more I listen and believe what He thinks, says and knows about me, the more my identity is in His plan for my life instead of my own agenda. That has been interesting and humbling. Sometimes it requires me to let go of what I thought was best, for something that looks like it isnt that popular or great. Im learning, for real, that looks can be deceiving and God defines success in very different ways than we do. He cares about our heart and how much we love Him and love those around us. Its simple, but requires some habits and commitment on our part.
I ask myself certain questions to gauge where I am with this: How much time do I spend hangin out with God and His word? Do I apply to my life what Im learning and reading? How much do I do for others? How much do I give, not out of convenience, out of sacrifice? How often do I go to God first before I go to people? How much do I communicate/pray?
Im interested in confirming who I really am, even if it takes a lifetime. And hopefully, my trusty sweatshirt will see me through a few more years.
Stick a Fork into those favorite sweatshirts, confirming who you really are, and asking yourself some questions.
