It’s been a fully week since we’ve first arrived at training camp. Homesickness has hit, tiredness and a few sniffles as well, but the leaves are starting to change and so are the hearts. Slow, tender love from the Father sweeps over me and a room of almost 300 other eager faces.
I always compare my life to an image of creation. Right now it’s the slow, crisp mornings when the leaves are a little mellow as the sky changes into shades of pink and red. The sun starts to touch everything around like a warm embrace. The air is sweet, the leaves are warm with shades of orange. This image in my mind encapsulates the sweet, warm, and newness of the Fathers love. It’s a little bitter sweet, the change, and I can’t deny it’s a little scary. Giving someone your heart is entrusting them with all you are, all you love, the deepest, rawest parts of who you are. Giving God my whole heart has been a slow tender process. Some days I cry in frustration, others I smile as I feel the warmth of His love shine on my face. Change will hurt, grieve it. But it is beautiful, like the changing of seasons, or dawn in the morning.
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”
-Proverbs 4:18
Amazing Julia!
It was honor to get to cross paths with you guys this past week!! I’m cheering you on and praying for those tender hearts to fully rely on God and His eternal goodness!!
Hey Julia – I’m Kelly! I participated in my first WR with AIM in 2017 and my family and I are transitioning back to AIM staff to help Seth lead Journey School. It’s such a blessing to read your blog! You’re a gifted writer sister. It’s deeper than some pretty words. While your writing style is beautiful and a joy to sit with and enjoy like a warm cup of tea – you are also communicating something deep and real. Keep being vulnerable and real. The Father is there with open arms and holds every precious tear in a bottle in those moments of fear and frustration and rejoices with you for every victory as all heaven smiles when they see you humbly come to worship a good good Father Time and time again.
Sorry typo. It was 2007!!! 18 years ago ❤️
Thank you for the encouragement, it means a lot!
Your reflection on life as a creation is beautiful and I love how you use imagery to capture our Father’s love for us. I am praying that God strengthens you and draws you closer to him every day of your journey.