All I Ever Have to Be

My friend Brewster likes to make fun of the old school Amy Grant albums that live on my iPhone. But I have no shame. Because every now and again, I need to go back and time and appreciate some tunes from another day. From a day where things seemed more simple. From a day when my innocence was equal parts enchanting and annoying.

Last Sunday as I made my way to church, I was having one of those days. One of those days where I wanted music to take me to another place, another time. So I started scrolling through the long list of artists in my iTunes.

Acceptance? No.
Adele? Hmmm. Nah.
Aimee Mann? Nope.
Air Supply? Not that either.
Amy Grant? Yes. I think I will.

I chose “The Collection” and hit shuffle.

Next thing I know my windows are down and I belting out the words to “All I Ever Have To Be.”

When the weight of all my dreams
Is resting heavy on my head,
And the thoughtful words of health and hope
Have all been nicely said.

But I’m still hurting,
Wondering if I’ll ever be
The one I think I am.

Then you gently re-remind me
That you’ve made me from the first,
And the more I try to be the best
The more I get the worst.

And I realize the good in me,
Is only there because of who you are.

And all I ever have to be
Is what you’ve made me.
Any more or less would be a step
Out of your plan.

As you daily recreate me,
Help me always keep in mind
That I only have to do
What I can find.

And all I ever have to be
Is what you’ve made me.

And I was struck by the truth in her words.

Yeah, read them again. They are good. Especially the bolded ones. They are words I need to hear over and over again. Until they sink in. Hopefully someday they will sick in.

Do you struggle with trying to be more than who you are? With trying to be more than who He created you to be?

Do you need to be reminded that “you only have to do what you can find”?