10 weeks away!

Katelyn, I am pretty sure you will remember The Jesus Storybook Bible from growing up. Phillip- I am not sure if you grew up with this beloved children's bible, but if not, it's still a great read at any age you are! 

One of my favorite pictures from that bible is below.

This picture came alive to me through Anna’s eyes when she was only five years old. (Katelyn, I don’t know if you remember this story, but it bears repeating!)  On our last day of an incredible trip to Kenya in 2008, we were on a mountain known as “Prayer Mountain” overlooking Lodwar and the surrounding villages.  She was looking through The Jesus Storybook Bible that she had heard me read countless times when she zeroed in on this picture.  She told me that she felt she was the little girl who was running toward God the Father in the picture.  Not only was this a defining moment in her own faith, but it became a specific marker for the direction I want my focus to be: to turn toward God rather than to be overwhelmed by anything that might close my heart to Him.

This picture has become embedded in my heart reminding me that I have another path I can choose.  Rather than responding out of my own pain or failure, I am continually learning to pray and ask God to bend my heart to help me turn toward God and toward others.  This picture captures the way I want to live, no matter what the circumstances are. 

May this also be the posture of your heart as you prepare to graduate this next weekend, as you prepare for your wedding, as you settle into new rhythms, as you begin ministry together, and as you build a life together. May you always know that you are held in God’s love and may your love for one another flow always from the Never-Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love of God.