Day 1: Who Am I?

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul.  I wondered who "they" were so I did a little internet research...and of course I found multiple answers.  Some accredit the saying to Matthew 6:22-23  

²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

 ^{Others credit it to Cicero} 

^{'Ut imago est animi voltus sic indices oculi' (The face is a picture of the mind as the eyes are its interpreter)}

^{And others simply claim it to be a derivative of an old English proverb.}

^{I wonder who others will think I am when they look through my windows...Do they see who I see?}

<sup>Do they see a strong woman?  A passionate teacher?  A loving wife?  A thankful daughter?  A supportive sister?  A devoted friend?  An animal lover?  A world traveler?  A believer? 

Do old friends and acquaintances see me for who I was or who I am?  Do new friends see me as trustworthy and compassionate?  Do my co-workers see me as the innovator and collaborator that I believe myself to be?  Do my administrators see me as hardworking and dedicated?  Do my students and their parents see how much I care?</sup>

^{Can they see the paths I have strayed from and the paths I have followed on my spiritual journey?}   

^{In the past 5 years since I became a Christian I have practiced Lent traditionally by giving up something.  This year, I am giving up some of my time (and trust me, I don't have an abundance of it!)}  I am devoting time every day to participate in this challenge, reflect on my faith, and to center my thoughts on my relationship with God.

^{Joel 2:12 "That is why the Lord says, 'Turn to me now, while there is time.}  

^{Give me your hearts.  Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning."}