Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Tomorrow, I move to the parsonage at Brook Hill United Methodist Church. I am a pastor. That simple sentence is full to overflowing with years of growing, surrendering, hoping and persevering. There have been many moments since my appointment began that I thought, "I really love doing this" and "This is so right." I feel like I have been birthed again into the true me. I had a sense yesterday that God was watching me preach and smiling and soaking me with "I love you's." Years ago, at a time of great burnout, a friend shared with me a vision they had: Jesus was walking down the beach and finds a deflated beach ball. He blows it up and covers it with kisses. It was true. That is what Jesus did that weekend in my life, reminding me of how loved I am and restoring my life- again. The vision in my head right now is Jesus is now tossing that ball into the air, laughing joyfully. If I can just stay in the hands of Jesus, I will enjoy this journey as well. I am already confronted with brokenness, pain, sorry and grief. I am ready to pour out love and presence and lift deflated beach balls to Jesus to inflate with life. I am ready to stay in Jesus' hands and learn the (Matthew 11:28-31, The Message) "the unforced rhythms of grace" and let God blow life. When I blow on my own air, I just get headaches. When I blow Holy Spirit life into others by praying, speaking grace, listening and given presence, miracles happen. I am in a place of holy anticipation.