"To truly know him meant letting go of everything from my past
and throwing all my boasting on the garbage heap..."
Philippians 3:8
🕊️
Last night, as I prepared to settle into bed, I randomly opened up to this chapter, which prompted reflection on my journey from where I once stood to where I stand now. There was a long period of time where my circumstances would provoke tears of frustration; trapped in a quiet town with little activity, I often felt overwhelmed by anger. Yet, today, a different sentiment fills my solitude. These days I feel isolated, but in a peaceful way. Stepping outside and seeing the blossoming almond trees in the fields near my home fills me with deep affection—for the world, for this place, for myself, and for the divine presence I perceive.
For awhile, my busy schedule filled with frequent parties, a bustling social circle, living far away, and spontaneous travel all made me feel important. These experiences made me feel as though I finally garnered the attention I craved, so in turn, I became vain. I found myself defining my entire identity based on the extent to which others noticed me, were impressed by my actions, and where I was. As you can imagine, it initially felt like being caught in an exhilarating whirlwind. However, the relentless emphasis on external perceptions left me empty. I noticed the people I was surrounding myself with were shallow, prioritizing status over depth, and soon all I missed was being back where life was simple yet meaningful.
As I spend more of my days at home, sort of forced back into a quiet lifestyle, I find myself being gently guided back to a serene rhythm of life, regaining the parts of myself that I have missed so much. I am relearning invaluable lessons I once cherished and lived by, rekindling the contentment they once brought upon me.
I have time for contemplation, something that is so essential for who I am. I have the time and space to really immerse myself in the intricacies of the world, really looking and listening to the beautiful details. I find God's presence often revealed in these ordinary moments of life. Being away from social media amplifies this experience, grounding me in reality. I feel a sense of full presence, youthfulness, and hopefulness. I've come to find that it's not about where or what you're doing, it's about how you feel in where you are. It has to feel good and whole to you.
That's why when I opened up to this chapter in Philippians, it felt like a gentle reassurance and it felt highly personal. Philippians was written by the apostle Paul, a man who was once a bitter persecutor, but through a profound change of heart, embraced an overflowing passion for Jesus' uplifting message, radiating with newfound life. I always find his story so impactful because it is a significant reminder that it is never too late to either become who you are meant to be or return to who you really are.
I encourage you to take a moment to slow down, regardless of your location,
and immerse yourself in the exquisite details of your surroundings.
Boundless beauty awaits your discovery.
♡
A few things I'm grateful for today:
Taking a much needed nap
Having a small class today with my preschoolers :) I was able to spend more one-on-one time with each of them and have time to breathe
Taking a walk with my doggy this evening: this was half of the inspiration for this post
Kacey Musgraves' new album?? It's so peace-filled and beautiful
Spring break is in only two weeks!!
Messages and verses from today:
I show up as my authentic self, and I shine ♡
Philippians 3 (all of it) :)
Comentários