I answered that simple question in kindergarten with a drawing of a nurse passing out medicine. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood I got sidetracked a time or two. First I went on an author kick. I wanted to write best selling novels in the third grade, but I never finished any stories. Then I thought about being in the Air Force so I could be an astronaut during high school and college. But I became a wife and mother instead. Finally I went back to college after remembering my kindergarten assignment and enrolled in nursing school. Then before I could finish, I became an ex-wife. Today I am a nurse. But life didn't work out quite as smoothly as I envisioned when I was five years old.
One day I was challenged by a pastor to love my neighbors as I loved myself. But I had a problem, I didn't love myself. I felt like a failure. Life hadn't turned out the way I imagined. I soon realized the answer to loving myself was right in front of me all along. I had to become the "Pamela Charmeon Swalve" God had created me to be. I needed to discover my unique gifts, talents, personality, temperament and passions, then use them for the glory of God.
So I began to search. Now I am operating within my temperament, personality, abilities, gifts, talents and passion, I truly enjoy working as a nurse. I've begun writing more in my free time. After all, maybe in kindergarten and third grade I knew myself best.
Perhaps you haven't figured out what to be when you grow up. Maybe you've changed your mind, major or job for the 50th time. That's okay. Keep trying and seeking God. Take time to discover your temperament, personality, abilities, gifts, talents and passion.
No matter what you do, you should just be you. Believe me, you'll even like yourself better. I pray that the next time you're asked that simple yet profound question your answer will be: "When I grow up, I want to be ME!"
