Big Questions

So they asked him, “What are you then?”… John 1:21

I was traveling recently and the hotel stay required  a several floor elevator ride. Every time I got in it, I was the only passenger so there was nothing to distract me which would have been nice because all 4 walls of the elevator were mirrors.  Each time I glanced up to see which floor I was on all I saw was my reflection.  Each time I caught a glimpse of myself, I thought of this question from John’s gospel.   The questions asked of John go from WHO are you to WHAT are you.  The second one seems a bit strange at first glance don’t you think?  But when we take a good look at our discipleship, the second question becomes very important.  

If someone asks  “who are you” I might be quick to respond with things like; Shannon’s  mom, Dave’s wife, Brandt’s teacher or Tina’s friend.  I tend to focus on what I do to describe who I am. But if someone asks “what are you” it causes me to look at my vocation.  What am I? I am God’s daughter.  I am a Saint in the making.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am a living example of God’s love for all his children.  In all honesty, my “what” needs some work!  There are even times when I think about the person asking and wonder “what do they want me to be?”  The problem with that kind of thinking is there is really only one opinion that matters and that isn’t always the one I seek first.  

John was very honest and direct.  He did not pretend to be someone or something he wasn’t.  There is certainly a lesson there for me.   This Gospel is the perfect reminder  that  what I really am, is HIS! I don’t have to pretend to be who or what the world would find impressive.  Today is the day to speak the truth like John and realize what I am; God’s Beloved Daughter, and that  is absolutely more than enough.

A Seed To Plant:  What are you? Take a few minutes to make that list, looking through the Fathers eyes.​

Blessings on your day!