Leaning In

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Christmas preparations are in full swing here and the snow is setting the mood as I prepare. I finished decorating our house this week, started making a couple of batches of cookies for an event this weekend, purchased tickets for The Nutcracker next weekend and braved the cold to get some exercise. I blame my front porch sign for all of the snow. 😀

I've been working on a message for Sunday about Mary's reaction to the message that the angel, Gabriel, brought to her. Her reaction was acceptance and humble submission to God's plan for her life. I want to accept the things God has for me, but I fear that I often fight against it. It's been a good season to reflect on these things. 

I cohosted a gathering of women from around the globe early yesterday morning and I'm thankful for my role on the team that put it together. Just when I'm tempted to complain about something (including getting up early to have a meeting), I see women who are up in the middle of the night just to fellowship and pray with others and check my attitude. There was a group of 30 women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There faith in the midst of difficult circumstances is amazing to me.


For three weeks in December I'm sharing a message at a local senior housing complex and I'm thankful for this group of people who are so receptive of God's word.

I am mentoring someone through the process of ordination and was able to offer some advice and encouragement for a ministry situation she is facing. 

Next Saturday I'm traveling to another church about 3 hours away to speak at a women's gathering about missions in our denomination. 

All of these experiences are reminding me to keep leaning in to hear from the Lord and seek Him in all I do. It's so easy to run ahead and get busy "doing" and forget that my doing is meaningless if I'm not bringing the words and message that God wants. And I also want to remember that my ministry is about people and not activity. I've been working at intentionally recognizing God-ordained interruptions and welcoming those as opportunities to encourage another.

I am grateful for the ministry the Lord has given to me. I want to serve Him well. That will only happen as I keep my ears, eyes and heart tuned in to Him.

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