There’s something so irrevocably stunning in just "being".
Yet the nature of which is so simplistic that too often we find awkardness in it. Because "being" is not something we do or perform or create or produce… but rather it's a state of revelling in complete acquaintance of Papa's fervent affections. Affections that beckon us to come hither for a while, that invite us to just stop and listen for His enchanting voice. Soaking up His goodness.
Psalm 34 says, "Be still and know that I am God". You cannot know God without first resting in His presence. And to know God is to know His love for you. Be still… sit with Him for a while… and KNOW His unfailing love you. It starts with being and ends with loving.
Unfortunately so many of us are slaves to "doing" — to performance, to activity and action. Stifled by a drive to produce, build, create and serve – all of which are good things gifted to us by a good God. Yet until we learn to simply be… we can't truly do that which we've been called to do. Until we learn to truly bask in His love… our potential for walking and acting in love remains limited. We must learn to usher in the presence of our God – to wait patiently for His anointing – before we can go out and serve His people.
Because at the heart of loving God and loving people… is being… present, which is something Papa's shown me how to do this month in Romania. How to be… in love… and how to truly be present (with Him and with people), just loving them in simple ways.
And to be honest, ministry and life (according to Jesus) look a lot different than I first expected. Much of the time we're waiting or doing simple things with just a few people… which really, we’re just being… just simply being present (with them, with God) in love — as He has called us to be. And that’s enough… it’s more than enough, because that’s what Jesus did best; He delighted in simply being… in love – with sinners (like me).
There’s a lightness to it – a kind of joy exclusive to "being". It calls forth a sense of freedom – sovereignty from the loveless, vain activity that keeps us from thriving relationally. There’s just nothing like being fully present in the moment, expecting nothing but His goodness to light up your face – like rays of sunshine gently kissing your cheeks and forehead. There's nothing like resting in the full embrace of His love covenant. There's nothing – NOTHING – like simply BEING… because that's when our greatest love encounters arise.
And for the first time in my life… I know the true beauty and freedom of being… in love.
P.S. Today as I was sitting next to Ashley… on the swings, listening to her strum on her guitar, this great revelation of "being" came to us. Thank you, girl, for your wisdom, strength, beauty and for your graceful ability… to just be – in love – with me and those we encounter. Love you!
