IDENTIFYING TRAITS

Have I mentioned I LOVE my new hip? 😉

While out walking last week, I saw two neighborhood friends coming my way from down the road. I was puzzled when they began to laugh in my direction–until they were close enough to explain. They initially thought that I was Connie, another walking friend who covers her miles quite swiftly and smoothly. From a distance, these two didn’t recognize me without my limp. I am happy to no longer have that limp as one of my identifying traits!

But soon I was pondering… What do I want my identifying traits to be? How do I want to be recognized or remembered?

Reviewing the last week or so, I could be seen as the one who smiles and waves at everyone on her daily walks. The one who loves hiking in the woods. The one who longs to share God’s love through her writing. The one who sends postcards to encourage people to vote. The one who wants to help others. The one who speaks softly and kindly.

But I could also be seen as the one who becomes defensive and makes excuses for her mistakes. The one who holds disdain for certain political candidates. The one who writes about living with love, peace, and joy, but can also be irritable, anxious, or selfish. The one who refrains from speaking up for others. The one who worries in the darkness.

I still walk through life with a limp of sorts.

Then I think of Jacob, who ends up with a blessing–but also a limp–after wrestling with an angel (Genesis 32). In my own spiritual wrestling, God often reveals the ways I am limping along in this life of faith, and like Jacob, I too can seek the blessing in the struggle:

With every limp that is revealed
I learn to lean on you,
so others see that yes, I’m loved
though I am broken, too.

With every faltering step I take
I need to hold your hand,
and when my progress feels quite slow
your presence helps me stand.

When my gait becomes unsteady
I seek your steadfast strength
to keep me on your loving path
no matter what its length.

And as I stumble on in life
I trust you’ll guide my way.
Show me the steps that I should take
to love and serve each day.

I hope that when my journey ends
my true identity
will be as one who walked with you
and loved (imperfectly).

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35)

(Photo taken by Jim. Thank you, Honey!)