Even now, when I’m usually OK just being myself, my identity occasionally gets wrapped in someone else. There are girls who seem to have it all: amazing relationships with God, handsome boyfriends, a complete understanding of what to do with their lives and an ability to walk in 6-inch stilettos without ever falling flat on their faces.

From their wardrobe to their circle of friends, nothing is out of place. I thought maybe my penchant for comparison would end when I got out of the junior high/high school era. If I’m not careful, I’m just as likely to compare my life to another girl’s even now. I’ve wasted way too much time trying to transform into someone else, forgetting about the dreams, gifts, talents and passions God put in my heart. Some lessons are harder to learn than others.

One of the sweetest lessons God ever taught me about identity happened on a humid Saturday night in East Texas. I jumped in my car after a worship service, my heart still reverberating with the songs we’d just sung. I put my Chris Tomlin CD in and clicked over to the song “How Marvelous.” Then I turned it up really loud so I couldn’t hear myself sing. It was an incredible moment of worship.

In fact, it felt like the sky was singing right along with me.

Something Glorious
I rounded a corner and saw what is, in my opinion, one of the best things the state of Texas has to offer: a sky full of sunset. The way the sun grabs the clouds on the way down and the way the light bends and fills every corner of blue stopped me in my tracks more than once that summer. But that particular sunset was, by far, the best. The light was caught in a gray cloud, casting shadows and pale white light all over the horizon. I felt as though I was driving through a painting. It was amazing: that song, that sunset. It was a very intimate moment of worship.

I’m a sky girl without a doubt. I find funny shapes in the clouds, take pictures of sunsets and like to be up close for fireworks shows. I don’t know if it’s the hugeness of the sky or just the natural beauty always on display there, but I think it’s safe to say I always have my head in the clouds. There’s a good reason. Psalm 19:1 tells us the glory of God is reflected in the heavens. If the skies are just a reflection, how amazing will His glory be when we see Him face to face? It’s a concept that I have a hard time trying to imagine.

That night, I realized something just as wonderful (and just as crazy).

Think of the most beautiful part of nature you’ve ever seen. Picture a Texas sunset, a grand canyon or an ocean that looks like tin foil. Imagine a rainstorm, a waterfall or the wintry peaks of the Andes. Now listen closely: All of those things reflect His glory, but the most beautiful places in the world aren’t made in His image.

You are.

What you have to offer the world—the way you can engage your culture with the love of Christ—will be more beautiful than a Texas sunset. People may catch a glimpse of His glory when they see the Texas sky, but they learn about His character by watching you and me. That’s an awesome responsibility, an incredible honor and a gentle reminder that He loves us most of all.

When Jesus called you the light of the world, He meant the kind of light that staggers and inspires; the kind of light that shines mercy, compassion and forgiveness into people’s hearts. It’s His love that shines through us. We can expose the pain and poverty people struggle through and help end it. We can get up, move to a new table in the cafeteria and talk to someone we don’t know.

We really can find a way out of the addictions and obsessions that keep us in a chokehold of defeat all because of His love. When He lives inside your heart, there’s no limit to what He can do through you.

Chameleon Hearts Redeemed
I think it’s great to have a role model, and I have plenty of them. But this year, my only real goal is to reflect Jesus more than I ever have before. In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us to stop getting so caught up in comparison and start transforming into Christ’s likeness. I don’t have to transform into Perfection Girl for Him to notice me. He wants me just like this, just as I am. Because of His love, I’m free to be myself.

Think of it this way, my fellow stargazers and cloud watchers: The sunsets He paints across the heavens are one more reminder of the potential we have to make our lives a reflection of His love. The way you feel when you look at a sunset is only a teeny tiny taste of the love, joy and compassion God feels when He looks at you.

I can’t wait to hear How He shines through you this year.