I’m sitting outside in a gazebo listening to the birds chirp and insects made their unique noises, reflecting over the past 10 months of this journey. Above the noises of nature I can hear my family inside doing life. Josh is in his room blaring worship music and every once in a while you hear him singing along. The people gathered in the kitchen to cook lunch are erupting with laughter and joy. Hannah is on the balcony belting out beautiful worship songs. People by the pool are conversing about what comes next and where God is currently growing them, while others are scattered around the property, intentionally dwelling with the Lord and listening to what he has to say.
At night time the house we are staying in is filled with brother and sisters yelling for each other and movies playing in the family room. People are cooking dinner for everyone and whichever room you walk into joy and comfort are a byproduct of the conversation happening.
I haven’t even known this family for a whole year, but it feels like I’ve known them forever.
This family has given me so much life. They’ve loved and cared for me so stinkin well. They know my strengths and weaknesses, and have watched me grow with the Lord along this crazy journey. They have encouraged me when I’m feeling low and rejoiced with me at the heights. We’ve fought like brothers and sisters, but they’ve supported me more than ever. We’ve traveled the world and have done a lot of things outside of our comfort zone. We’ve failed multiple times and embraced a lot of awkward conversations, but the truth is, I’ve never felt more loved, supported, and accepted among 33 people.
If you start singing a song, someone will join you. If you say where Holy Spirit is calling you, someone will go with you and be your advocate. If you’re crying or need someone to talk to, there will be people to there to listen. Every single person here has everyones back and supports them to no end. They will love you deeply, while also calling out your strengths and calling you higher. They’ll walk alongside you and help you bring kingdom wherever you are.
This crazy family was way more than I ever expected. I’ve fallen in love with them more than I ever imagined, and I’ve grown to closer to the Lord because of their own walks with the Lord. I’ve been extended grace and forgiveness like it’s an ever flowing fountain, and the bonds created won’t ever have an end date.
I pray each one never doubts the Lords love for them. I pray they surround themselves with a community that will call them higher and love them deeply. I pray they always listen to the Holy Spirit and have the courage to be peacemakers in everyday life. I pray the Lord continues to grow them and that they continue pressing into it. I pray this next season challenges and stretches you to grow more into who He has called you to be. I pray you never underestimate your worth in this world, and that you always know you’re a child of the most High King. Thank you, Lord, for placing these amazing brothers and sisters in my life and blowing my expectations out of the water. Allow them to feel your presence and come to you for refuge. Bless them in this next season, and continue molding their lives to reflect more of you. Thank you again for these amazing brothers and sisters.
Love you, Abba,
Your daughter.
