Who are you anyway?

Ever wake up and think, "How in the world did I get here?" Your "here" may be your job, physical location, the condition of your health, etc. I think it's common to think this at some level. It may not be an rock your world question/thought, but then again it may be. Upon my last birthday I turned a number that pretty much smacked me in the face. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm happy I had another birthday because it means I'm alive! However, THAT NUMBER.... Well, it's doing a number on me, honestly. I started thinking about all the things I meant to have accomplished by this age, and I'm just not there yet. I mean at one time or another I was going to be a pediatric plastic surgeon, a shop owner, a barista, a novelist, a savvy business woman who broke through that glass ceiling, a suburb chef and decorator and the lady who had it all together who smiled all the time while wearing the sleekest outfits, offered warm hugs and cups of coffee to everyone as she listened to their hurts and solved all their problems with her infinite wisdom. Or something like that. :) Needless to say....I'm falling a little short of the bar these days. So, over the past several months I've been doing some soul searching I guess you could say. In that time, I stumbled over a book that has been a breath of fresh air. "She's Still There" by Crystal Evans Hurst. (I highly recommend it.) I think it's easy to get so caught up in living life that time just flies on by until we wake up one day and think, "What just happened?!" Many of us graduate from high school, go to college/tech school/enter the work force then find a mate, get married, start having kids, and, and, and... You wake up in your 30's, 40's or 50's feeling a little overwhelmed and unsatisfied.

Let me stop right here and tell you the very first step on your journey is a meet and great with Jesus. You need to begin a relationship with Him. I fully believe that. Your longings will never be filled by the things of this world. They just won't. Not only that, but in order to discover your God-given purpose, you need to talk to Him daily. If you want to know more, message us or find a church close by that can help you with that first step. If you already known Him, keep walking, talking and listening to Him daily.

I will be the first to admit walking with Jesus isn't easy. We have distractions daily that attempt to pull our focus off of Him and God's will for our lives. Wading through the mess is hard. Hearing His voice can seem impossible with things pulling at you from all different directions. However, Mrs. Hurst reminded me via her book that God gave me my own unique set of gifts, abilities and interests. I am to use those gifts to serve Him along the way even if I find myself in unfamiliar territory or I don't see the end game yet. She suggest making lists of what you do know about yourself. Personally, lists make me giddy. I love a good list making session, just ask my husband. My lists are going to solve the world's problems one day! Just kidding. You may or may not love list making as I do, but it is a good starting point so...maybe just do it anyway. :) Below are a few things I've identified as my gifts, talents and interests that make me unique. Things I'm discovering that God may be trying to use to get me where He wants me to go. Please know that sharing this with you is a stretch for me, but it is a chance I'm willing to take.

1. God has given me a wonderful husband and two great kids that I LOVE spending quality time with. Quality time is one of my love languages.

2. I am a cattle farmer by marriage. I dove right in on our wedding day, and my husband tells me I have a natural eye for judging cattle. (Who knew?!) I also know my herd. Did you know each cow, heifer, bull, or steer has its own little personality? True story.

5. I am a homemaker, teacher, chef, CEO, CFO, activities director, secretary, adviser and counselor. I can tackle many tasks at once, manage schedules and give attention to detail.

6. I am an entrepreneur who started a baking business from home that has exceeded anything I ever imagined.

7. I am tender-hearted, emotional and empathetic.

8. I love to dream, create, encourage and inspire.

If you're struggling with who you are or how you got where you are, I encourage you to make a list of your own. Perhaps it will give you some clarity on your situation and may be even give you a nudge to get going on the road to where you are meant to be. Please, drop me a comment and include your own list! I'd love to read them!

-Kadie