....there you are!

I was just reading a great article in an old issue of "The Handmaiden" about conquering depression. Now, I can say that, by the grace of God, this is not something that I have to battle. However, there have been times in my life, one time in particular, when I felt pretty despondent for a sizable duration. SO, that said, anytime I hear or read about depression or someone who suffers from it, I find it easy to relate and sympathize.
Anyway, that said... in the article I came across the cliche "Wherever you go, there you are!" For some reason, this cliche has always irked me. It sounds so... dumb. Sort of like, "Your mouth has teeth in it." But having read it in such a well-written article, I stared at the idiom and tried to comprehend the wisdom in it...
The cliche started making sense (for me at least) once I put it in a faith-based context. Having just returned from a dinner in downtown Portland for a friend's "bachelorette party," I realize now how many temptations there are to not be me. I think I feel more "me" or at least the "me" I want to be, at different locations (i.e. in the comfort of my home, at church, alone and taking my dog for a walk, hanging out with my boyfriend. etc.). But if I want to be my true self (striving towards likeness of God), then I have to bring that self in every single venue I encounter. I have to bring it into downtown Portland, I have to bring it into a pub, I have to bring it to church, I have to bring it to work and to school, I have to bring it to confession, I have to bring it when I hang out with close friends and acquaintances alike, Christians and non-Christians alike. I even have to bring it to the gas station as I watch the oil company eat my cash ;D Let me explain a little more...

I had a great time tonight with my friends, although most all of them are folks that I hadn't seen for years. However, it was nice to get back together with them, catch up and see them all as mature, gorgeous young women. And I mean gorgeous. I'm afraid my jeans, t-shirt, birkenstocks and old sweater paled in comparison with their sophisticated, fitted, high-heeled and put-together style. After being around them, it was tempting to want to give my wardrobe an "extreme makeover." But as I contemplated this on the slow drive back (horrible traffic... stupid rose parade :D), I realized that my friends don't require a dress code-- they like me as I am. I don't have to wear make-up or great clothes to feel accepted by them. For this I am grateful.

In conclusion, I'm realizing that if I am to be Christian, I have to learn what that really, truly embodies... and if I have been created in God's image, then I need to discover, with humility, who that person really is (oh man, how's that for cliche?). I have to put on Christ everywhere I go, despite the atmospheres that I encounter which works so diligently to tell me otherwise. It sounds strange, but when I'm comfortable with the fact that I'm a Christian (but NOT complacement in my spiritual life), I find it's easier to bring my faith (in a silent but strong way) wherever I go, and whoever I'm with. Wherever you go, there you are. Or perhaps it should be: Wherever you go, don't forget the Truth about who you are.