This past Sunday morning I was sipping on my coffee and was reading the 15th chapter of John from the Message Bible and when I read verse 16 which is a very familiar verse to me it spoke to me in such a fresh and powerful way.

16 “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. 

The words were like a hug beautiful hug to my soul. As I was reminded ONCE again that this isn’t about me and about him. 

I think we can often approach a relationship with God like we have to earn his love, and his time and attention.  And maybe this isn’t you but I know it was me for a long time and I know from so many conversations with people desiring a relationship with God yet hearing the struggle to communicate and feel like there was a relationship.  

Some of these conversations were with people that were searching and seeking and trying to figure out what they actually believed about God. But many of the conversations through the years were with people that had loved God their whole life yet there was still this feeling of uncertainty in communicating with God.

It is sad to me when the very reason God formed and breathed life into humanity was to have a family…for relationship… co-laborers with him)? in bringing goodness and beauty into the world.

So when reading this chapter and I got to this verse and read You didn’t choose me, remember, I chose you… it brought tears to my eyes and was such a beautiful and strong and tender reminder all in the same moment.

We so often feel like we are chasing after God trying to get his attention and blessing when he is the one that is chasing and pursuing us…

I say it often and I’m saying it again…we make things so much harder than they have to be…

You were God’s idea

He has a plan and purpose for your life…to bear fruit in the world he has placed you 

And that happens naturally when we are in a relationship with him.

No striving….just being.

What a beautiful sacred space to live in.

This Summer is all about living in this space.

When praying and thinking about the theme and flow for the Summer Journal the words of Jesus found in Matthew 11 saying “Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly”  were a beautiful invitation that I wholeheartedly say yes to!

If your soul is craving real rest I would love to have you join me in walking into a Summer Sabbath.

I know many of you have your Summer Journal or it’s on the way and if you haven’t ordered yours yet I will have the link in the show notes if you would like to do that.  

Next week marks the official first day of Summer but as I’ve mentioned. The journal days are not dated and this journal is yours to move through the season as you are moving through it….

There is no right or wrong way to use the seasonal journals…they are yours to use in the way that best serves you in being intentional in getting still and connecting with God. 

You are so loved, friend.

Not because of anything you have or will do.

Simply because he chose you.

I love you guys and am excited to walk out of this season and into the sweet days of Summer with you!

Talk soon!