The In-between

by Shirley Hartnett

I remember being in line to get on a roller coaster. The sign said: “You must be this tall to ride this ride.”

I stood on my tippy toes, piled my hair on my head, and stretched out my neck as much as I could but I came up short. I was too big for the kiddie rides and not big enough for the adult rides. I was in between.

I have always had a hard time fitting in because I am a science and math person. I’m really not one to get dressed up and wear a lot of make-up. My sister, who is that type of person said, “Did you forget, how to be a girl?” I was in between her expectations and mine.

So how many times in life have we been told:

you must have this score for college

you must have this much money to buy this house

you must have this skill to get this job

you must …

Or your past is a mess

you’re divorced

addicted

tattooed …

In-between their labels.

Do you know who you are?

I have wrestled with this question many times. I used to say:

I am the oldest daughter of my parents

I am the sister of my siblings

I am the wife

I am the mother

I am the caregiver of my son

I am the friend to …

But all those can change.

Regardless of age, my past, my present, my future actions …

I am a child of God.

I didn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, and I am no longer in between. If you don’t know who you are you are apt to take on false labels. My ministry and my purpose in life will never fulfill me. Only God can. My ministry is the fruit of fulfillment, not the source.

Do you know who you are?

#Restore fulfillment