“We are what [God] has made us, created in Jesus Christ for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”                                                        Ephesians 2:10 (NRSV)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

As children, we all hear this question frequently. You spend the first quarter of your life trying to figure that out. Then, before you know it you wake up one morning and you realize ‘This is it’ – You are adulting.

For better and sometimes for worse, this is us. Some of us are right where we thought we would be professionally. Some are slightly off the mark (maybe not a surgeon but in the medical field), and some are on a totally different path (started out as a lawyer and became an artist). 

Personally, you may have dreamed of the white picket fence and a yard full of children and now you are single in a townhouse with that dream of children unfulfilled. Or did you imagine traveling the world but became grounded in the suburbs with travel consisting of carpool and playdates? 

What did you want to be? How closely does your current reality match your childhood vision?

In 1933, a famous man once said, “I am what I am and that’s all that I am.” (Popeye)

How profound. 

Most likely your life map has not unfolded exactly as planned. Those unexpected dips, curves, potholes, and detours have brought you to this place, this moment.

You are what you are and I am what I am.

More importantly, we are what God made us to be.

Check the scripture again. He created us “in Christ Jesus for good works…” Good Works.

The work is not defined. No matter what you wanted to be or what you are, know you were created for this “…which God prepared to be your way of life.”

Instead of concentrating on becoming a certain thing, concentrate on the work, the good work you can do. You were made for this – no matter what this is.

What are you doing today? Running your own business, working a shift, driving the kids to school, cleaning your home? Remember the good work to be done.

I am who I am and that’s all that I am and you are who you are which is pretty amazing. 

Amazingly created in Jesus Christ for this life. With this in mind, let’s embrace what God made us and be our best every day.

Be the best you – not what you thought you would be or aspire to be – the best, real you.

What good works will you do today? 

Dear Lord,

Please bless each of us in the work you have for us each day. Let us remember that it is all good work that comes from you. May we be who we are, right here and right now, so that others may see you in us and in all that we do.

Amen.