All That You Are

“Who were you before anybody told you who you were?”

–Jo Saxton, The Dream of You

When was the last time someone asked you, “Who are you?” The chances that it has been recent or often, my guess is slim. Because usually, when we first meet someone, we ask them,

“What do you do?” 

Or, if we’re vacationing abroad like we were a month ago, and we meet fellow travelers, we ask, 

“Where are you from?”

Very rarely do we try to learn another’s entire identity in one meeting. Rather, we start with an aspect we are most comfortable asking about. Or, at least what we think we’re most comfortable asking. 

When I was a youth pastor, every now and then, someone with a complicated relationship with God or the church would ask me about my occupation. And my answer never failed to make the conversation awkward, and often short. Almost as awkward as it was when I was a kid and told people I was homeschooled. 

Yup, I’ve always been cool.

Only, even those of us who have unexpected answers to common life questions, can’t be summed up in one title, school choice, or even location. Though all come with some sort of stereotype, each are only one small aspect of what makes up a whole human being. That is why, if I were to ask you,

“Who are you?”

You might ask me how much time I have. Or, in most cases, be left searching for words. Because what ever you do, wherever you live, and whether you’re paleo or vegetarian, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or Atheist, whatever titles you may possess—none of them is able to accurately and fairly describe all that you are. It’s just not possible. 

You are more than what people say. More than what you do. And more than I believe you could tell me in one year, let alone a day.

All that you are is so much more than what’s in your bank account, catalogued on LinkedIn, or even filed under “shame,” hidden deep in your heart. You are more than what people say. More than what you do. And more than I believe you could tell me in one year, let alone a day. 

This month on the blog, we will be looking at one of the main aspects of who we are—the thing or things that give our lives purpose. It is what some of us mistake for our career, and others of us think we don’t even possess. All of us have at least one, and yet like so many of the things we’ve listed, it can’t determine our worth. 

This month, we are talking about Calling. 

But before we jump in, I felt we needed to start by reminding ourselves that we are more than what can be summed up in first impressions. We are more than what we produce. And we have value just by being ourselves. 

So today, will you do me a favor?

Can you take five minutes, and list ten great things about you?

I know it feels awkward, but please do this. Then, believe me when I say those ten things can’t even begin to measure all that you are.

Are you in the midst of making a hard decision? Contemplating a big life change? If so, you may be interested in my FREE Making Changes Checklist that I give to all my email friends. Want your free copy?  subscribe here.