Begin where you are now. Obey now. These two sentences always cause me to pause. And give me direction. They are from a devotional included in the book, Disciplines in the Inner Life. * Perhaps you are wondering how to move forward. You can’t see the big picture but know that you need to do something. But how? I know what that’s like. Let me share a bit more from these writings. They strengthen me. Encourage me. And provide me with the next step. Begin where

This is what I hear Jesus saying today… Are you feeling a bit weary? I know what that feels like. When my days on earth were long and the needs were great, I knew that my strength would be restored when I would go away to a quiet place. I needed to take time away from those I was called to serve, from my family, and be alone with my Heavenly Father. The work was still there…but it was more important for me to commune with Him.

I love life. Even when it is messy. I just don’t always enjoy the messy life. And, sad to say, the messy doesn’t always bring out the best in me. Sigh. But the messiness is going to come. Real life isn’t real without it. That’s because life is made up of relationships. And relationships are made up of people. And people are going to disappoint us. Our responses to those relationships—real life—will shape our homes, communities, workplaces, and world. And for that very reason, we need to

This I know. Those moments… When the walls seem to be caving in, Sleep doesn’t come, The world seems burdensome, And we just can’t seem to find the Joy or Peace… They are moments. The darkness isn’t here to stay. Maybe you experience those dark days the same way I sometimes do when I’m caught up in them… Believing that it will never get easier.