BE not DO

This week I was reminded that life is more about being than doing. Trevor Jones, our worship leader at church, asked us to remember that our purpose is linked to who we are called to BE rather than what we DO. It's been lingering with me.

Then I came across a post I wrote in May 2009. It's resonating with me, and helping me to realize my calling is to BE rather than to DO.

The woman next to me at a bridal shower commented about being a young bride. She said, You think you know who you are. Then you get engaged and you try to do all these things to be the person you're supposed to be. Then you're married for a while and you find out the person you really are. 

I've been thinking about these words. I think she's right. And when the marriage is strong, really really strong, you end up being a better version of the person you thought you were before being engaged. You find out you're a better person than you ever could have been without your spouse. You find out two is better than one. And you spend each day grateful for the delight of this ordinary life.

At least I do.

It's been over fourteen years since I was a bride. Four presidential elections. A bachelor degree. A masters degree. Seven cars. One apartment. Two houses. Four kids.

Recently I've realized I'm being called to new territory -- in new directions. I've been trying to be patient, really listen and respond quickly.  I've been trying to figure out what to do. Remembering this bridal shower conversation and the journey of becoming myself, I'm reminded:

I don't have to do anything. I just have to be.

Tomorrow I'll share a vintage post from my original blog, Inspiring Readers and Writers (March 2006- February 2008) titled: "I Be Myself." It's this same line of thinking applied to being a teacher.