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.
//
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
Bern, I love your heart. This is beautiful and such a good reminder for me today. Here’s to celebrating every messy, tentative, bold, faithful step with the Lord!! “Praying for sweet encounters with the Lord each morning!”
What a beautiful perspective! Thank you for sharing it and your heart for this Z Squad. They are very fortunate to have you and the other leaders giving them gentle guidance and the tender love of a shepherd in this first three months on the field. I was blessed to get to meet your Mama at launch and also appreciate her ministry to us “Gap Year Parents” back home. Keeping you all in my prayers. Bless you, Bernadette!
~Katie Chandler (Nathan’s Mama)
Bern, I love how you love on our Racers! Your lens of process is so honoring to where they are each at. I wish I could be a member of Z Squad and have you as a mentor! 🙂 Thank you for your living sacrifice of this time freely given to pour into our daughters and sons. Many blessings!
Oh Sweetie, what wonderful and timely words…. so enjoy your lens on life, thank you! Thank you for sharing your heart so freely! Thank you for leaning into your Heavenly Father so deeply! Thank you for continuing to say ‘yes’ to HIM so obediently!
Love you…. but not sure I’m a fan of that swing though… LOL
xoxoxox
thank you oh so much for your sweet heart, Mrs. Hyde & for sharing it with me!!! i am so excited for you & this journey you’re on with the Lord!
thank you so much for sharing these words with me, Mrs. Chandler! being with this squad and watching them take bold steps makes my heart soar. I love seeing them dance with the Father. thank you for being such a prayer warrior and incredible encourager! sending hugs to you!!
Mrs. Folsom! your words are seriously so kind and encouraging. thank you for loving Gemma so sweetly all these years! oh how I adore learning from her. I’m sending hugs your way ~ thank you for being you!
mum, thank you for being my number one gal! your encouragement is seriously the best. I love you and your bold heart so much!! xoxo
girrrrrrrl… i know it. XD
hahah love you!!
Bernadette,
I’m so thankful the Lord chose you to lead team Jaimasi! You have such a beautiful heart! Our family is praying for you and the rest of Z squad. This was such a timely post-thank you for sharing your journey.