Definitions

The new year is fast approaching, and as I look back on 2013, the idea of what defines me has really been on my mind and heart lately. How am I defined? What do people first think when they meet me? What puts me in one social category and not another?

I've noticed that what typically defines a person is how they are introduced. Over the years I've been introduced in many ways: "This is Elisabeth, so-and-so's girlfriend" or "This is Liz, she works at Starbucks." Or better yet, "This is Liz." Having no "definition" is almost worse than not being introduced at all! But does that really give someone a good idea of who I really am?

When I look at my life and personally define myself, I could easily say "I'm Liz. I work at Bath and Body Works, I'm studying wedding/event design, and I attend TheChurch at Visalia. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, I have a dad, step-mom and step-sister, and I live alone with two cats." But really, who am I? Those are all things I do, or am involved in, or take up the majority of my time. But is that really who I am?

What people think doesn't matter. But what people see does. When people meet me, I want them to immediately be able to tell that I'm a follower of Jesus Christ. I don't want them to have any shadow of a doubt that I'm on fire for God. I want to set an example for the people around me. And if I wear a mask around some people because I want to be defined as something different than what I really am, than I want to learn how to take that mask off and never hide behind it again.

I want to live up to being Liz (or Elisabeth if we're being formal), a follower of Jesus who loves God and loves people; who wants to serve in the church for the rest of her life; who wants nothing more than to be a good and faithful servant to a wonderful and gracious King.

That is how I hope to be defined this year.