Growth looks different for every person. Being ‘in the mess’ or ‘in the process’ is something beautiful & unique for each of us. We as a society have created this invisible bar above the Earth that we are all striving for. For some reason, we have the belief that we have to all reach that bar in order to be important or successful. We can even base our identity on how close or far we are from the bar. Allowing ourselves to realize we aren’t each trying to reach the same bar or level isn’t easy, but crucial to standing on the firm foundation.
You wouldn’t expect a watermelon to grow at the same rate as a sunflower,
would you?
Nor would you expect a tomato to be the size of a pumpkin.
…then why do we compare our process to the process of others?
Walking with the men & women on this squad is joy overflowing. Seeing them in their process is a beautiful gift — each of them on their own journey, with their individual relationships with the Father, uniquely growing and pressing into where the Lord leads. This is a squad that thrives with the Father, not a squad that strives to ‘be better.’ Sweet Gemma, an incredible woman on my team so wisely said “He doesn’t want us to be better, He wants us to be closer.”
He craves deep intimacy with each of His children.
Doesn’t this blow your mind? It stops me in my tracks every time I think about it. The Creator of the universe chases my heart & knows my name. WHAT! He took sweet time to create you the incredible way you’ve been created. He’s right there with you in your process: holding your hand, guiding you back to His truth in it all. Walking with the men of women of Z squad in their process has been the best challenge placed at my feet. I adore learning from each of them and seeing them encounter the Lord in new and beautiful ways. Roughly 2 weeks in, they’re diving after hard questions and pure-heartedly seeking the Lord – my heart is so full.
I adore celebrating the simple things life has to offer. Recently, I’ve been gleaning from the simple processes Gap Z is walking through.
From Kimberlyn’s colorful hands in the midst of creating through painting…
To Justin teaching Angela how to create through guitar….
And Gemma getting her hands dirty for the sake of these growing marigolds.
Cheers to YOU, dear friend as you’re in your process. I’m celebrating you today as you learn and grow & see more of what the Father has for you. You are LOVELY! You are STRONG! You are WORTHY OF HIS LOVE! Maybe you’re in the midst of changing jobs. Or discovering more of what you’re passionate about. Perhaps you’re about to graduate and have no clue what is next. Or just had a huge fight with one of your favorite people. You might’ve just ran your fastest mile. Or finally reached that goal you’ve been going after. No matter where you’re at in your process, I’m celebrating you. I’m praying deeper intimacy with the Father over you. Praying for sweet encounters with Him each and every morning. You are HIS. Always have been and always will be – especially in the process. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you.
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As always, here’s some of my favorite music right now!
‘You Saved Me (Live)’ by Ryan Ellis
‘Voice Memo (Heaven on Earth)’ by Mosaic MSC
‘Finery’ by Penny and Sparrow
‘Sing Me Your Song’ by Judah & the Lion
‘Halfway Up’ by The Brook & The Bluff
