Happy Wednesday, everyone! My last post on June 9* shared that I was in construction/remodel mode, which is true in almost every aspect of my life. The remodel at home is 90+% complete and the other parts of my life are clearly on their own time table. Those who have been a student of life for more than a few decades, know that we are always in some type of “updating” as we navigate the journey God has for us, and that, my friends, is by grand design and that is absolutely wonderful to know and live out. However, we must acknowledge that the path is not always well laid out and often is full of debris and weathered. (And thank God for the times that the same path is clearly marked, smooth and even sunny with birds chirping as we stroll by.)
Let’s chat about that for a moment. We all seem to hear over and over again that the last 19 months have been unprecedented. The reality it, we don’t know the full extent and impact of this to our wellbeing quite yet. We actually have no real way to know if or when this will return to the way of life we knew prior to March of 2020.
Adam Grant wrote a great piece in the New York Times, identifying the feeling as “languishing.” The term is defined by not really making progress, stagnating and watching what is happening, almost as if you are an outsider looking in at your life. If you dig a bit deeper, you will also find that languishing can mean the “absence of mental health,” and is synonymous with “sinking, weakening or wilting.” Humans were created with a mind for forward progress and momentum, so this feeling takes us off our center.
The Bible (my go-to) is clear that we are to be productive and to contribute, so when we get stalled, this feeling is real and supported. Everyone I know seems to have this deep knowing that something is not quite right, and the idea of “languishing” resonates some days.
So, how should we think about this reality we find ourselves in? What options do have to not just endure them, but to make an impact and the best kind of forward progress? I’m not an expert of course, but a midwestern lady that happens to have a passion for learning and also for loving people, so I’ll give it my best shot today.
Here’s what I think God wants me to share: Humans may have been created for forward movement, but above that we are called to honor. My life verse is Romans 12:10, “Outdo one another in showing honor…be affectionate to your brethren and love one another; be preferring and honoring of one another…” It’s the most clarifying thought to me, regardless of where we are in the pandemic or our construction process. No matter what, we are given truly wonderful guidance to honor, to love and to serve each other. (Side note: Keep your eyes and heart open for
who God lays on your heart. It might be someone unexpected.)
So, what if today we all just focus on that? What would happen if we all brought forward our full selves in not just a spirit of honor for each other, but in faith in action? My friend Joey, is my mentor on this topic. Where can your actions support your faith and your desire to honor, love and serve? Who needs a bit of your joy today? Imagine the impact that would have?
Thank you again for following this writing. I am trying to up my prayer game, so I am committing to you today that I am doubling down on prayer for each of you and cheering you on wherever life finds you today!
Quick closing note: I mentioned in my post from June that I want to do things differently, and that’s still in the works. If you or someone you know is interested in helping with design or in getting a newsletter format off the ground, please let me know!