9/09/2013

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.


11 comments:

  1. I got the chance at a total do-over a couple of years ago when Russell found me and brought me home. I decided I was gonna try to be the person that I'd wanted to be, but crushing stress and a bad married had made me into a very angry & depressed person. Yes I've had bad days here, and some stressful times, but overall, I'm really happy. The important thing to remember is that it's a work in progress. Changing oneself is a daily choice so that you don't slip back into bad habits and patterns.

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  2. I have been here for 26 years and sometimes I wish I could move and start again! sandie

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    1. There are wonderful blessings to staying in one place too. Long-term friendships and history are precious gifts.

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  3. I understand the wanting to reinvent myself. The thought of moving to a new city and starting over is somewhat enticing. But then, I remember the saying "Wherever I go, there I am". Not to say, we can't 'begin again' and continue changing and growing 'step by step'. Good post!

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    1. Whether we stay in one place or move about often, we can still grow and change and try to become the person we want to be. I like the saying you related. I've never heard it, but it is so appropriate.

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  4. Hi Elizabeth! Wow, with experience comes wisdom, and you are brimming with that in this post. It is a wonderful opportunity to forge ahead, becoming a 'better me'. So many times, people just spend the time worrying and being sad about the changes. But not you! You see opportunity.

    I need to be a lot more like you, Elizabeth. Great post today! I hope you will keep us updated on your new life.
    Ceil

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    1. You are very kind. Your comments always bless me beyond measure.

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  5. Out on a limb ... He loves to go there with us! Can't wait to hear about these new ventures!

    ;-}

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    1. As we know, when we're hanging onto the limb is when we pray the most and look for God most fervently. The limb is a great place to be.

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