Hey friends. I wanted to tell you guys about what the Father has been teaching me in my current season. First of all, I want to apologize about the fact that I’ve barely written lately. I think that has happened because I feel like my blogs need to be profound and can’t simply be topic-less or mundane. I’ve never been much of a writer, so in some ways by striving for perfection in my writing I’ve actually limited myself and robbed you all of the fullness of Jesus and what He is speaking to me. (external processing for the win lol)
So yeah- here goes nothing.
2 weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting my World Race coaches, Tim and Karen Harrison down in Marathon Key Florida. It was actual paradise and a very needed week of Sabbath and reflection with the father. Something that the Lord used to speak to me was a mangrove tree. They fascinated me from the beginning because they grow in coastal regions along the shore in salt water. After doing a lil’ research I discovered that they have a filtration system in their roots that allows them to live in saltwater, low oxygen conditions and absorb blows from waves as they crash against the rocks they cling to. WHAT. These trees are literally DESIGNED + MADE to live in an environment that is deadly and chaotic….
Yet this is where they really THRIVE.
Man. Is this not exactly what the Lord asks of us as well? My friend Alysa was sharing a bit of her process a few weeks ago as said something that really struck me. “Lord, may I bloom as wild in winter as I do in spring.” I so often get offended by the seasons the Lord places me in instead of choosing to stay rooted and grounded by His love and Thrive. I think that speaks to the verse where we are urged to “choose life instead of death”. No matter the season, no matter where the Lord has us physically, emotionally or spiritually, we have the tools we need to thrive. We are to be so sure of our identity that when all around us is crumbling, we can still stand firm and reflect His character. Dang.
(An abstract painting I did recently of a mangrove tree.)
This is an excerpt from my journal this morning that I feel led to share with you all:
“Life. It’s a crazy and glorious dance with Papa. It starts with the decision to stand up, look Him in the eyes and choose to take His hand. Allowing Him to lead and guide every step. We begin to sway and move as He teaches me the different steps. I stumble. I fall. He picks me up again… over and over and over. He encourages me to keep moving and trying and learning. Sometimes we effortlessly glide together in unison across the field- both smiling and laughing together, twirl after twirl. Pure and unexplainable joy. Other times He tries to guide me, but all I do is resist and resist, struggling to find my way and getting frustrated at myself and Him when I fall. He is patient with me. Sometimes I reject His hand when He offers to lift me back up. He gives me grace. Sometimes I feel so weak and tired that all I do is let Him carry me in His arms as we effortlessly glide and sway back and forth. He’s not going anywhere. Even when I get distracted or confused. Even when I choose life over death. When I’m apathetic and weak. Even _____ ( insert the blank). He’s not going anywhere and He is content to wait. He just wants to dance with ME.”
I hope that some of this was an encouragement to you or helped you learn something new about yourself today. As always- thank you for reading, fighting for me, lifting me up in prayer and for being a part of my team. It means more than you know.
