It’s the dreaded question of our youth: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, probably a professional pie-taster at this point, grandma! As a junior in college, I still dread this loaded question.

I can’t tell you what my dream job is, but I can certainly tell you who I hope to be and who I’m made to be. When I grow up, I want to be:

1. Loving

I want to be a woman who exudes love in every sense of the word: unconditionally, generously, and extravagantly. Like a skipping stone, I want to love so deeply that it will leave everlasting repercussions.

2. Joyful

I want to be a woman who chooses joy on a daily basis. No matter the circumstance, success or failure, I hope to choose the type of joy that only comes from above.

3. Full of peace

I want to be a woman whose presence brings peace. It's as simple as that.

4. Patient

I want to be a woman who waits, knowing Who is in control. It’s time to get rid of the excuse that patience is a virtue I do not behold.

5. Kind

I want to be a woman whose smile brings kindness and light to even the most mundane days. That kindness is certainly contagious.

6. Good

I want to be a woman whose goodness is evident, in words and in actions, living in and through everyday graces.

7. Faithful

I want to be a woman who is faithful in the small things as well as the big things. I hope to build a character of consistency.

8. Gentle

I want to be a woman who is gentle, humble, and caring. It all goes back to love from here, doesn’t it?

9. Self-controlled

I want to be a woman of great strength--strength fueled by a God who loves me to the ends of the earth and prompts me to do the same.

Galatians 5:22-23