Inhale, Exhale
It is well
It is well
All of this
Is a part
Of the story
You will tell
~Morgan Harper Nichols
Over the last few years, I have been spinning in circles and searching for a purpose. And as much fun as that endless shame spiral was, this year I am giving peace and calm a go.
I am majorly editing my life, rearranging the importance of people and things. Knowing full well a quiet life will allow God’s presence to be loud, also knowing full well I have been working hard not to hear it.
Part of living a life more in tune with God has included seeking out simple ways to intersect purpose and joy.
Forming mental lists of what mattered to me revealed my priorities. My family. Being in community with others, followed very quickly by ample solitude. Bringing Jesus to people in pain. Helping people learn about Jesus when others have sullied his truth, or church buildings misrepresented Jesus mission.
These are the things that shape my life with purpose and joy.
It comes down to this: Serving is what I love.
Understanding this led to plans. Simple plans. We would be intentional about hosting service projects in our home. Something I will talk about more in depth another day.
But today, as Lent began, I found myself reflecting on pictures of the pillowcases that a zillion beautiful neighborhood kids decorated for families currently living in community shelters.
Each pillowcase will be given to a living, breathing, struggling human, someone neck deep in their darkest days. These pillowcases will be one place of solitude amidst the uncertainty and fear known well by domestic violence victims.
“No matter what they say, stay strong.”
His disciples replied
“Lord, if he sleeps he will be better.” John 11:12
“I’ve Fallen For You
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8
Those are just a couple. We ended up with about 60.
The drawings, sayings, scripture, and love our kids poured into these pillowcases will be the last thing families in the shelters see before their rest. They may sleep fitfully, but their heads will be laying on pillowcases inked with grace and poured over in prayer by our community.
It was simple. When we invited these kids to the house to make pillowcases we had no idea they would rise to the challenge with such passion. And in the end, my family and I did very little. I was not worn out; I was filled up.
I am forever astounded by God’s overwhelming presence and what little it needs to thrive.
My small plea to you, for your good, take this Lent and seek solitude. Reflect.
And for the love of God (literally), fight the desire to bring noise into your wilderness. Noise may block some painful feelings, but it will almost certainly drown out what you stand to learn about simplicity, peace, and what has been present all along.
PS ~Sometimes I still spin in circles, but mainly it’s because I procreated, so that’s on me.