When asked about my time in Georgia, my mind instantly floods with memories of scribbling notes from teachings, to community that enriched life, to beautiful encounters, to (sometimes moldy) tents, to changing seasons, to laughter and tears, to pure and simple growth in so many facets. Picking a single takeaway would be like picking your favorite flower from a field of the most beautifully imperfect blossoms. Nonetheless, I would love to share just a few things that have had an impact on me from our sweet three months in training! Share a little fruit, a little edible arrangement, if you will 🙂
I have to acknowledge my own adoption.
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God…” John 1:12
For so long I lived in a unconscious mindset of having to prove my worth to God. I am happy to say that idea has long been wrecked since beginning this journey. I thought it was prideful to step into the freedom God has called me to. I didn’t know how to walk in both servant leadership and in confidence. I’ve come to learn that it’s actually the most prideful thing I could do to deny my adoption by the Father. He has called me to walk freely, to see Himself in me, and to allow others to walk in this as well.
It is time to wake up already.
“It is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep…the night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11-12
One of our teachers challenged us by saying, “When are you going to die already?” As I contemplated this, the verse from Romans 13 flipped that phrase and challenged me by asking, “When are you going to wake up already?” If you’ve accepted Christ, you’ve died with Him already (Galatians 2:20), but we don’t stop at death. We are called to wake up, to walk in light, to practice the authority He has given us, to be a bridge builder, and to bring Kingdom. Even though thousands have walked before me and will walk after me, I can still add the the symphony of the Kingdom by what He has already given me. I can add confidently knowing that as His child I am able to follow His voice.
It is holy to enjoy the little and invest in the little.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself…” Matthew 6:34
Today is enough. If I simply come to Him for daily bread, for manna, He will provide. I need not be consumed with future plans or previous experiences. I need not worry about what I am doing or where I will be but simply walk in His steps. Each moment is holy when we make space for Him-every laugh, every cup of coffee, every step, every breath. We were not meant to live off stale manna, but to daily turn to Him and His Word (Deuteronomy 8:3). Our lives are most frequently lived in the ordinary and Abba desires to frequently step into the ordinary.
Though my attempt to share what fruit God has been growing in me these past few months may be incomplete, I hope it stirred something in your soul! What does it look like for you to show up to your adoption? What does it look like for you to live awake? What is a way you can invite God into the mundane?
I love you and love that you’ve stuck around for this crazy adventure! Thanks for reading!!
Abby
