Who I Am.

A few weeks ago my husband and I tried to trade in our old car to buy a nice new Civic when the “cash for clunkers” program was going on. Now, I can’t say I fully support this program, but like most people, when something helps me out, I don’t really care about the greater good. So, we decided to buy a car.

I have to say, it was a lot of fun to be driving a brand new car. I felt cool. I was cool. The idea of getting rid of my old “clunker” seemed real good to me-I was trading up and it made me cooler. Unfortunately, it fell through, and I’m still driving my clunker. So I guess I am still as uncool as ever.

I was thinking about it though…is it my things that make me who I am? Sometimes I get into this pattern where I will get really stuck on buying myself new clothes or makeup or things for my home. When I do this, it makes me temporarily feel better about myself. Hey, anyone will look better in a new pair of jeans and expensive shoes. But does this really make me better?

Regardless of whether I wear a sweatshirt or a dress, I am still the same person inside. I have all the same faults and all the same gifts. The only difference is in the way I view myself-in a false way or a true way. I believe the true way is that I have been created by God and have been blessed enormously by Him. I am His servant, and not a servant to myself.

This is a challenging way to view one’s live, especially living in American culture. It’s something I struggle with, so tonight I wanted to remind myself (and perhaps you) that we are not what we wear, or own, or drive. We are who God made us to be-He loves us-and that is better than any shiny new car.