I love to learn. Give me a book, a class, a conversation - any avenue to learn brings me deep joy. So it wasn't surprising to me that I ended up in a small group book study with some colleagues. What was surprising is the conversation that took place.

We ended up talking about two words (and just two words) that would describe the call of our life. I came up with all sorts of combinations, but none of them sat well with my spirit. Until I articulated "listen gracefully."

​The more I sat with this combination of words, the more it seemed true in every aspect of my life. Not just vocationally, but when I serve, volunteer, and just spend time with people. These words don't just describe who I am, but who I am becoming. I want to be someone who listens more gracefully. 

​I wonder what two words you would choose to describe the call of your heart and life?

 love words. I am an avid reader - with hundreds of words coming across my eyes throughout a week. I also have words coming into my ears from family, friends, and colleagues. 
Yet, sometimes the English language - well...
It's confusing. 
Take the word "grounded". What comes to mind when you hear it? Maybe images of being grounded as a child, as a form of correction. Or of an airplane that couldn't take off? 
But what about grounded as rootedness? Where is that on your list of definitions and images?
Sometimes we need people to help us unpack the words, images, and definitions that we have collected throughout life in order to glimpse something new - something transformative.
May the words spoken over you this week be a blessing. And may the people speaking to you, accompany you on the journey to wholeness and hope. 

I have a confession to make. Last week I shared that I love going on vacation, especially to the places that ground me, but that doesn't mean that when I am on vacation I completely cut off working. I know that works for some people, but my approach tends to be focused on what brings me joy. The most joy. The joy that sings forth from my soul.
To that end, I still read books about my vocation. I was attentive to the movements and invitations of the Holy Spirit in my life. I even took a few meetings about exciting new opportunities at Abide in the Spirit. 
But I did those things not out of a sense of "have to" or "should", but because they make my heart sing. 
Have you ever taken the time to consider what makes your heart sing and what brings you joy in the deepest parts of your soul? How are you attentive to those longings? And how are you responding?