More than anything, I want them to see You

merry go roundI am less than a week from turning 40. The BIG 4-0. And I am surprisingly ok with it all.

I wasn’t really dreading 40, I feel better about who I am and where I am, than I probably ever have. 40 isn’t something to fear or dread. It is just another year right?! And I am surrounded by some of the best family and friends a girl can have, so I am really just overwhelmed with blessings.

I have spent more years than I can count, and really that I would like to admit, worrying about trying to be the perfect person.

As far back as I can remember, I wanted what I didn’t have. I wanted the Strawberry Shortcake dolls that the girl down the street had, or the cute red Esprit jeans with the white hearts on them. (Oh how I coveted those pants and don’t even get me started on the matching heart sweater!!) Maybe it was the name brand jeans or a place on the cheerleading squad…there was always something missing.

I found myself wanting, lacking, and it wasn’t a place that I wanted to be.

So I studied hard so I would be the smart one and do something amazing with my life. Then I went off to college and couldn’t hack the career that I was certain was for me. And once again I knew that when someone looked at me, they just saw someone who was lacking.

For a perfectionist like myself, this is a terrible place to be. Because when you looked at me I wanted you to see beauty and grace and maybe the least bit of fashion sense.

But I was certain that what you saw was the opposite.

Have you ever found yourself there, on the merry-go-round of striving to be something, someone better than you feel you are? (<====Click To Tweet)

And yet it seems that no matter how hard you try, you come up short.

The past few years have been growing ones for me.

Yes I may have addedΒ a few pounds towards my waistline, ahem πŸ˜‰ that comes with the aging I am told but I am not talking about that today. No, even more than that I am discovering who I am. What I love and where my passions are. I have reconnected with my love of writing and that alone has brought me so many gifts.

This refinement process hasn’t always been easy either. Dominic and I are learning how to work well with one another in our business, as we also try to manage a reasonable balance between work and home life. We have big kids, and middle kids and little kids…and raising them isn’t always a cake walk.

I yell too much, and get frustrated about little messes. I often forget to take time to count my blessings.

But despite all of that, all of my shortcomings, I am filled with the overwhelming peace that God will use it all for His glory. (<====Click to Tweet)

I have seen Him do it in my life already. How He took all the messy and the ugly parts of me and healed them and then gave me a story to share. He gave me a heart for others, for loving them and sharing the hope that is found in Him.

I don’t head into the Big 4-0 wanting you to see me and how put together I am or what a wonderful wife and mother I am.

More than anything, I hope that when you look at me you see Him.

You see a woman who loves Jesus. A woman who is admittedly a hot mess most days, but even on the worst of them can see the potential for God to use it for good.

Yes Lord, it is my prayer for year 40 and beyond…as long as you have planned for me here, that when people see me, they see You in me. Fashion or no, good hair days and bad, muffin tops and veiny legs….none of it perfect Lord, but through You I have the faith that I will be perfected for Your glory.

And that is all that matters.

Photo Credit: Great Beyond

0 thoughts on “More than anything, I want them to see You

  1. Valerie

    Hi Kristin,
    This post made me laugh since you’re approaching 40. I felt the same way but much more panicked since I was single! Well I still am single and am approaching the much more huge milestone, 10 years later, this year and I guess I’d better be okay with it! Enjoy the decade of your 40s, friend — they may be your most amazing yet! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Maria Marino

    I sure do see God in you, Kristin! He is reflected in your words and in your heart for others; in your humble seeking Him and sharing the story He has written in you for His Glory. Perhaps that’s why you are surrounded by the best family and friends. You are imperfectly perfectly loveable. Just the way you are.

    I also see in you a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend! Happy Birthday beautiful, precious Kristin!

    Reply
  3. Tina M Wright

    Happy early birthday Kristin! Thank you for sharing how God is working in your life so transparently. I can certainly relate to the feelings of imperfection. Praise God for using us despite our faults. To Him be the glory!

    Love this–> “But despite all of that, all of my shortcomings, I am filled with the overwhelming peace that God will use it all for His glory.”

    Have a blessed day πŸ™‚

    Reply

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