Things Change

Sometimes I lose sight of who I am. I identify with what I do.

For example, when I had my “Emphasis On Moms” website and ministry – I identified with being a writer and mentor for moms. It gave me a sense of significance outside of just being a homemaker. Yet being a homemaker also gave me a sense of significance. It was something I did. Something I KNEW. I felt comfortable in those roles.

When I decided to let go of my ministry -  it was really good for me. I was shedding a skin in a way. I loved that ministry, but I also wanted to know who I was apart from it. I didn’t want IT to become me. I was more. There was more inside of me to be explored and discovered.

As my girls have grown up and become more independent, I’ve also seen the beginning of more possibilities to explore what I want in life. As a parent, you are so used to doing things for the family that you often put aside your own wants and desires. But as they grow up, a new sense of freedom can enter your heart as you find out you can pamper yourself a little more often. It’s fun even though you also grieve the loss of having children who totally need and rely on you as well!

Life is about navigation. You navigate through different roles and seasons. Each one molds and shapes you, but there is also so much more potential that lives inside of us. We are more than one cause or one dream! If we allow one thing to totally become us then if that should ever be stripped away from us, we’d be exceptionally lost.  We need to remember who we are, what we think, how we feel, and where we want to head in life. 

We can’t lose sight of who God created us to be. We have natural instincts. Natural personality traits, character strengths, and drives that live in us for a reason.  We need to see that loss is a part of life. Loss of people we love, loss of hobbies and jobs that we identify with, and loss of seasonal roles.  Our roots and foundation need to go deeper than where we currently are in life – as much as we may love it.

I want to love what I do. I want to love where I’m at and the things God has placed in front of me. Who doesn’t? But I also want to always let something more live on inside of me – like a spark for a flame that can grow into something bigger, deeper, and more. For I know that as long as I’m here, God has a purpose in mind for me. And I can rise up to new challenges and things – wherever He wants to take me – the sky is the limit!

Shedding skin is not a bad thing. It’s a chance at something new and fun. It’s a way to get a new and fresh start. Embrace it and thank God for making you into such a diverse person.  Don’t lose sight of who you are. What has been may not be again, but what “will be” could be such a blessing….if you just give yourself a chance.