Who are you? Recently while viewing a movie, this query was made of one actor to another.  On the surface it appears to be a very casual question.  Would you “rattle off” the answers as though you were reading a list of ingredients on a food label? Perhaps, the first ingredient; that trait which you value most might be what you shared initially. Is it your career? Is it what position you hold in the community? Is it the relationship you have to other people in your life? Who are you, truly and sincerely?

After actor one rambled on about what he did, where he lived what kind of family relationships he had, what his career was, all the volunteer work he did etc. actor two finally said, “aren’t you a child of God?”  If you are a child a God, do people know that? Do they see it in your actions and spoken words? Does someone have to ask you?

Over the years, many persons have said, “you are a Christian, aren’t you?” Puzzled, I looked at them and said, “yes, but we didn’t discuss religion. How did you know?” I was joyful when their answers have always been the same, “your smile, your actions and the way you treat people let me know.”

Many children are happy with the traits they have inherited from their parents. Years ago, my son proclaimed he didn’t like his nose for it was like mine. I apologized and said, “I’m sorry you didn’t get your Dad’s nose.” His reply was, “I don’t like either of your noses.” My nose was not by choice, but it has been a trait of my paternal family for generations. I know I’m a “Hamer.” My green eyes are a trait bestowed from my mother and maternal grandfather; a Scotsman whom arrived in the US as a young lad. I never met my grandfather whom my mother spoke highly of, for he passed away when she was a young girl. Yet, over the years when I was complimented on my green eyes, that was a reminder of the grandfather I never met.

I’m grateful and appreciative for the traits I have from my earthly parents. My nose has allowed me to smell wonderful fragrances throughout the years, as well as some foul and offensive odors. My eyes have been a gift to see great beauty around me. That list is far too lengthy to describe, but each reading this blog understand the depths of beauty in our lives. The cliché that beauty is “in the eyes of the beholder” is valid. Some see magnificence in particular parts of the world or nature, while others prefer other landscapes. Some see beauty in a piece of art while others view it as unpleasant. Beauty is as vast as individual people.

I’m very proud that someone recognized the traits of my heavenly father even without asking if I were His child. What greater gift that to be able to be a light and testimony for someone who has given us so much. TO BE CONTINUED: Ephesians 2:10 NKJ, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”