Reinventing Me

Sometimes, if one is very fortunate, an opportunity arises to reinvent oneself.

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Moving to another town, enrolling in a different school, undertaking new employment, joining a club or group, all of these open the door to a potential new you. None of these strangers know you're a whiner, or bad-tempered, or bossy. Here is a clean slate where whining, tantrums, and bossing - everything you don't like about yourself or your character - are erased away. You can present yourself as an appreciative, calm, cooperative paragon of excellent behavior.

Okay, it isn't that easy to accomplish.

Our bad habits, annoying ways, and sinful natures aren't discarded quite so easily, but a fresh beginning with people who don't know us is a wonderful occasion to try and evolve into the person we've always wanted to be; a person slowly being transformed into the image of Christ.

I have arrived at this juncture several times in the past, but never had the good sense to take advantage of my new beginnings. Fortunately, two additional reinvention occasions have arisen. My husband and I have been looking for a new church for over a year. While visiting churches and meeting new people, I have been able to present the best Me that I can. The mind and nature of Christ that I often pray to be manifest in me has a chance to see daylight. No one knows the old me.

Starting a new job last week has afforded me the same opportunity. I can be the type of employee that Jesus would want me to be. My character and nature are as yet unknown to my employer and coworkers. I can be whoever I want to be. And what better role model than Jesus?

Raise a glass (of iced tea, naturally) to transitions and new beginnings, and the chance to reinvent yourself.