3 Things I'm Taking and 3 Things I'm Leaving
Reflect with me on this year. I know, it’s a lot. We’ve encountered new situations and made decisions none of us thought we’d ever make. At first glance, this year has brought heartache. However, I believe if you’re willing to dig a bit, you’ll find some gold too.
It can be so easy to judge other people because they’re not doing what you’re doing. It can be all too easy to feel helpless and hopeless when yet another event gets cancelled. It feels easier to just lie on the couch all day because “you can’t go anywhere anyway.”
But if you’re willing to do the work with me, I believe we can walk out of this season (whenever that may be) better people. So here’s three things I’m taking and three things I’m leaving.
- I’m making the conscious decision to take GRACE over judgement. When someone offers a differing opinion or takes different actions, I’m choosing to extend grace. If we’re honest, sometimes that’s easier said than done. Regardless, as an apprentice of Jesus, I want to be known by my character that produces good fruit. And if Jesus has given grace then I, too, want to give grace. Instead of judging others’ behaviors and actions, I’m taking grace.
- I’m choosing to have HOPE over doubt. We are currently in a bleak time and it can be easy to be bogged down by all that is happening (or not happening). Sometimes we feel we have been abandoned by God. When moments of doubt happen, make the choice to anchor yourself in hope. Hebrews 6:19 tells us that hope in God “is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” I don’t know about you but in this season, I’m clinging to the strong anchor. I’m taking hope.
- Lastly, I’m making the choice to be intentional about taking REST with me. As work, school, and events begin to open back up, it can be easy to fall back into the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, as I’ve learned through this season, God invites us into true rest with him. Instead of scrolling socials, read a chapter in the Bible. Instead of binging that new season on Netflix, quiet your thoughts and spend time in prayer. When the apostles first received the Holy Spirit, Jesus asked them to wait and pray. They waited several days for one of the best gifts. I wonder what God would reveal to you if you simply quieted yourself, prayed, and waited. Let’s take rest.
Whether you’ve thrived in this season or barely survived, there are lessons for all of us. We’re all doing the best we can with what we have. None of us have experienced this before. Instead of jumping to judgement, pause and choose grace. When it all feels too heavy, anchor yourself in the steadfast hope we have in God. If you’re tempted to fill your schedule to the brim, resist and enter into refreshing rest with an ever gracious and patient Father.
So I ask you this: what are you taking with you as we move forward into the back half of the year?
by Cara Sanchez
