We Are Not What We Do

We tie ourselves, our identity so closely with what we “do” in life. Why is that? Why do we sum up who we are, by how much we’ve accomplished or how talented we are – why do we think we are only valued if we are successful…. beautiful?

It’s as if we are creating ourselves and in the process we dub ourselves “not good enough.” As if we were the master carpenter; the One who knows true workmanship.

We are not what we do. We are not what we accomplish. We are not what we look like. Those are only like branches on a tree trunk. They come from who we really are – and from our core heart. They are accessories, reflections, and touches of who we are. But they aren’t our heart – they aren’t our soul. Merely a sparkle left from it.

This is a lesson I’m learning in life. I’m learning that as much as I love writing, there is more to me than that. As much as being a mom makes up my very day and comes from a heart brimmed to overflowing with love – that’s not who I am. It’s just an extension of me.

One part. One part of a whole.

I was created with a personality. Character. Depth of passion. Natural instincts and bents. I have a name.  Who I am is who God sees. He sees the me that nobody knows better. The one with convictions and feelings. The one He “knit together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps. 139:13).

I love the things I’m able to do in life. I love being able to express myself. But I’m learning that if any one of those things were taken away from me, that there would have to be something more to me. Something deeper to hold me to the ground and not allow me to be swept away – or feel lost. For me, that is my God. My faith. My identity is in Him.

And only with my God, do I see things clearly. Only with Him, do I gain perspective and vision. Only with Him leading my life, do I realize and feel free in truly being who He created me to be. A person – a soul – that has a purpose. One that is loved beyond all loves. Not because of what I “do” – but because I merely “am.”