Growing into it...

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a story about a dress that my husband bought...one I didn't want, especially after I realized it was 3 sizes bigger than I normally wear! (If you missed it, you can read it HERE.) The dress and the story behind it have created many conversations...some that caused frustration and others that created laughs, but one in particular has stuck with me.

Upon hearing it was too big, my oldest son, seriously responded, "Well, you can just grow into it." Obviously he's been told that a time or two in his 10 years and clearly he doesn't yet understand that once you hit a certain age you no longer want to grow into clothes!

At first this was one of the conversations that made everyone laugh...the innocence of a child truly is something that brings joy. Honestly though it created a bit of frustration...growing into that dress is a reality if I don't do a better job of taking care of my body, exercising and eating healthy. But God has used my little guys words in ways I didn't expect.

You see in my original post about this dress I shared much about the labels we wear and how we can't let our past or other people's words define us. God is the One who created us and knows who we are!

His labels don't describe our size but instead say things like -

Loved - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Forgiven - "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12

Chosen - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

Gifted - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8

Friend, I don't know about you, but for me these are labels I've had to grow into and are ones I pray I will continue to grow into. I've been reflecting on what God has done in my life and I'm amazed...looking back I can see I've grown and that's a good thing. It's what children are supposed to do!

As a child of God I pray I will continue to mature and have a better understanding of the depth of His love for me. I'm asking Him to give me a better grasp of the magnitude of His forgiveness so I can do the same for others. I'm praying He will help me live out my role as His chosen child better each and every day. I'm seeking His direction as I attempt to use the gifts He's given me in a way that glorifies Him. 

Honestly, I hope I never grow into clothes that are 3 sizes bigger than the ones I currently wear, but I pray I will never stop growing into the person God made me to be!!