being a child

Just the other day I went to a retirement party for Mrs. Lisle, my high school gym teacher / small group hostess. I didn't really know what to expect, so little did I know what an inspiring time it was going to be. I already knew that she was an incredible servant and caring woman, quick to encourage and listen, but when I heard about her many accomplishments and her impact on other people, I also realized how humble she must be. And then I got to thinking, what would people say at my retirement party? I'm sure many people have pondered this, but the thought really challenges me to live out now what I want people to remember me for. But not only that - I know I need to be the same person whether I'm in the middle of a crowd, with my closest friends, at home, or all alone. And who is that real Meredith? Who is it that God knows me as, that He calls His child? Hmm... that's my true identity. I can claim to be an artist - but I may grow blind. I could be described as a skier - but then would my identity change when I'm too old for that activity? People come and go, so I wouldn't last long if I was only known as so-and-so's friend. The only lasting quality is who I am in Christ Jesus, and who He has defined me as. So let me live in Him!
On another note, I've found a place to stay with some other first-year architecture students, at 84 Kenmore Ave., Cambridge Ontario. Yesterday my parents, my sister, & a few of our friends went to an Indian restaurant in Kitchener for Allison's 21 birthday, and since we were really close to my new place, we stopped by for a minute. It was great to celebrate her birthday, but I can't believe how old we're getting! Gone are the days of sandboxes and slides, playing house and tag (& the Dow-Dey game!), unless, of course, your little neighbours invite you to play with them, as I did for a little bit tonight. Often when they'll ask me to come over, I'll be too busy or feel too tired or something like that, but once I'm over there, it's just so much fun playing "king's base" and other games like that, and I feel like I'm seven years old again and the only thing that matters is if I can make it back 'home' before getting tagged.
Hmm... I guess this is all coming back to the same point I was thinking about before - being a child of God. Though I've fought so hard to be considered an adult, I need to become like a little kid again. There's a Jennifer Knapp song called "Whole Again" that cries: "Daddy, daddy do you miss me? The way I crawled upon your knee. Those childish games of hide and seek now seem a million miles away. Am I lost in some illusion, or am I what you thought I'd be? Now it seems I've found myself in need to be forgiven. Is there still room upon that knee?" Sitting on my Father's lap - the best place to be!