December 9, 2017
I sat with Jesus in our special place while He showed me myself, stuck inside a gate that had spikes all around it. It was only big enough for one person, it didn’t have room to allow anyone else inside. The gate locked from the inside, and I was the one who controlled it.
I was sitting in an isolation that I put myself in. That’s what Jesus told me. That I was choosing this life, and that eventually this life was going to lead to death.
Then Jesus showed me that getting out of the gate, the trap of isolation, was stupid simple. It wasn’t a code. It wasn’t a plea. It didn’t take bargaining or sacrificing. The gate could be unlocked by simply sliding it to the right, and just like that I was free.
And would you just guess who was waiting on the other side of the gate for me? Four of the sweetest friends. Four friends who want to show me what true community looks like.
Enter my new team, plants and pillars. WOW am I thankful.
But let me back up just a little bit.
When it was time for team changes, I was simultaneously ready and nervous as heck. I racked my brain thinking of who I would be on a team with, who would challenge me, who would be my person of comfort.
My squad and I, we all stood in a circle with our faces faced outward. No one could see each other. Leadership wanted us to be able to have a moment to do whatever we needed to do when we found out who our new team was going to be.
They began passing out the slips of paper with the new teams on them. I prayed. I prayed fervently. I prayed that the Lord would soften my heart to my new team. I prayed that we would be a team full of vulnerability. I prayed that these people would show me what community is and how to be all in.
And then I looked at my paper. The Lord knew what I needed before I even began praying.
I am on a team of five. Reece. Chase. Leah. Kirsten. And y’all. These people are hecka rad.
They are patient. They are loving. They are kind. They are genuine. They walk me into hard places and sit with me there while I verbally process.
They are drawing me near and pushing me toward the Father. They are showing me community and locking the gate as I step out.
The Lord provided immeasurably more for me. I couldn’t have picked a better team for this season.
Holy smokes.
Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness in always providing what we need.
So much love,
Car
