2025 Growth (Part One)

For the last few years, I have had a word that becomes a bit of an umbrella over my life. I use the word to help me focus my energy. Three years ago, the word was “better”. I didn't have to be the best, but I was willing to try for better. Better wife, better mother, better friend, better disciple - generally just a little bit better. One day I would get irritated with the boys six or eight times, the next day only four – better. Even a short little workout felt better than the option of not doing one at all. Overall, I found the year very positive. There were so many opportunities to offer grace, mercy and encouragement to myself and those in my life. People (including me) are not perfect but we are trying for better and it counts.

 Two years ago, the word was ‘resilient”. And a word like that makes it clear; I don't just pick a word and hope for the best. If that was the case I would pick “prosperous”, I would not pick resilient. However, the year of resilient really did teach me how resilient I am. Most of all, I learned how resilient my faith is and that God was never going to fail. I learned how resilient my marriage and kids are. I learned how resilient our local church can be.  I would not like to repeat such a year, but “On Christ, the solid rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand” (My Hope Is Build on Nothing Less by Edward Mote)

And just last year the word was “grow”. I was so excited for a season of growth. I'm ambitious. My mind ran wild with ideas. But, my idea of growth and God's idea of growth aren't always the same. Looking back, I see 3 big lessons. I will share lesson one in this post. It is important that I start this story by telling you the end. Everything worked out fine. It was just a cyst. However, for a moment in 2025 it was an unknown lump in my breast. Good thing I had already learned about resilience because that helped me keep my head in the game. However, I did think, “God this wasn't the sort of growth I was looking for.”  The process was quick and the care I received was great. That being said, there still were days of waiting, wondering and worry.

Many years ago, a pastor gave a sermon that compared Peter’s declaration of love for God vs. John’s declaration of God’s love for him. John, who often wrote in his gospel, “…the one Jesus loved" (John 13:23,19:26,20:2, 21:7) claiming Christ’s love confidently and boldly. I thought it was fantastic. Many of those close to me have heard me refer to myself as “the one Jesus loves’. I have also encouraged others to claim it for themselves. Jesus’ love changes everything. During the time of waiting for results from tests and exams Mountain Man, Hawkeyes and Danger said things like - "you're the one Jesus loves, so this can’t be" My family grew in trust, love and faith. What I learned is trust, love and faith don't grow well when you hold them too tight. I held the things I value most in an open hand to God and let them grow.

I know this, I am the one Jesus loves. Even if the results were different, It would not have been because I was any less loved by him. Jesus' love does not prevent scary things, suffering or difficulties. Instead, it offers a different way to grow and experience God.

Sincerely,

J -The One Jesus Loves