The Real You

Everyone knows me as Michelle. When they call out that name and I'm around, I respond to it - along with any other Michelle that might be in the vicinity... (there were 5 of us in the dorm in high school, which caused a lot of confusion when Michelle was asked to come to the phone!)

But sometimes, and perhaps it's just me, it feels like that's not really my name. Like I'm not actually a Michelle, but something else. Say your own name over 20 times and it will start sounding strange to you too! Associate characteristics with your name and those of others who share your name, and you start feeling like it's not really you. Like you should have a different name, but it's not one you can think of in spite of having the Big Book of Names in hand.

Then, a while ago, I read something Max Lucado wrote, "When God whispers your name". He says that in heaven God will give each of us a new name, our true name, one that will fit us perfectly (I know there's a text for this somewhere, but not being too good at quoting, I can't find it right now).

I really like that. I can't wait to hear what my new name is, a name that will reflect everything I am, the real me. It will be unique to me, no-one else will have the same name in all of heaven. I don't know the language of heaven, but I look forward to hearing God whisper that single name into my new-for-eternity ears and feel it settle just right into my soul.