Who Am I?

Who Am I? My favorite T-shirt from college has this phrase written across the front. The back declares "Generation X, Freed Hardeman U, I am many attitudes, many styles, many beliefs."

The shirt is from the Student Alumni Association retreat my sophomore year and I've always loved it for many reasons. And even now, 12 years later, I still wear it and it's still relevant for me.

Not only is it a great conversation piece--I've traveled all over the world in this shirt and in every country, every language, people will read the front of my shirt, laugh, and say "Who are you?"

And many days I ask myself that same question. Who am I?

The reason it stays relevant is because who we are is always changing. Years ago, people graduated from college and said "I am an accountant" (or teacher, or whatever) and they were, forever until they retired. But today, people change careers at the drop of the hat. They try something for awhile, then try something else.

In fact, I sort of wish my shirt said "Who am I TODAY?" And I know this might make me seem a little odd, but really, I think we all wear a lot of hats. I know I do. Some days I'm a writer, some days I'm a consultant. Some days I'm a gardener and others I'm a couch potato. I try and be a good daughter and a good friend every day, but sometimes I know I fail.

But you know, I think as long as every day I am a Christian, everything else will just fall into place. In fact, sometimes we try and let too many other things define us. If God is the constant in our lives, all the other stuff can change and grow, and it will all turn out fine. When I wonder "Who Am I?" as long as the first answer is "I am a Christian" then even if I don't know what my career will be in 5 years, or where I'm going to move next, everything is still okay.

And just for fun, here's a picture I dug out of me in Turkey, circa 1997, wearing the T-shirt.

And the song of the day--Who I Am, by Jessica Andrews. No random stories about this one, just thought it fit.

Happy Friday!