[ enter ]

"And even though I realize I cannot always mend or meet, I can enter in. I can enter into someone's pain and sit with them and know. This is Jesus. Not that He apologizes for the hard and the hurt, but that He enters in. He comes with us to the hard places.

And so I continue to enter."

- Katie Davis -

Entering in. Phew, that's messy. And it makes me uncomfortable. Of course it would be required of me-- in my own heart and in the hearts of many. I want to enter, and I'm afraid of what I might find.

Less distractions, more stillness.

Less overlooking, more searching.

Less of what I'd rather have. More of what I need.

I have this curious thought:

Jesus is both coming and here. He is coming to me in my heartache and fear. He is my future hope and words on a page that promise redemption and love and grace like snow. And yet He is already guiding me, healing me, near to me. He is my comfort amidst the discomfort of growth and life. Here now and forever to come.

He is in the repetition and also in the newness.

He is not hidden from me, but still asks that I look for Him-- that I never stop looking for evidence of His goodness and presence, never stop wondering where He might meet me. Always remembering that I can meet him wherever & whenever I want.

I can see where He's been: in the tears of a grieving yet grateful friend. Speaking from the mouths of the encouragers and prayer warriors. He's mingled in the conversations and hugs, dug His hands in the soil of our hearts. I've noticed Him in a tiny snowflake and in the warmth of a home. In music and diction, yoga classes and the gentle touch of a child. Sometimes I even visit Him in my imagination, sipping coffee and basking in the affection of His smile. He has a beautiful imaginary smile!

He's more real than anything else I know. In fact, I know nothing else but the truth of His words to me and the faith to keep going, He is enough.

I breathe You in, God. You are there. You're all around me.

And You are good to me.

"You repair all that we have torn apart & You unveil a new beginning in our hearts.

We stand grateful for all that has been left behind and all that goes before us.

You've got all things suspended.

All things connected.

Nothing was forgotten cause Your love is perfect.

You are our Healer and You know what's broken.

We're not a mystery to You."