It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, we will be saying “farewell” to 2016 and welcoming a brand new year. Time sure does fly and there isn’t enough space here to capture what this particular year has meant to me, personally and professionally. However, because the days left in this year are numbered, I think it’s important to wrap-up this “year of freedom” (declared by me in January 2016) by sharing what freedom looks and feels like for me today, almost a full twelve months later.
The Tangibles of Freedom …
♦ Freedom looks like being confident in my identity (WHO I am and WHOSE I am) and not being shaken when the storms of life blow through.
♦ Freedom looks like giving it all over to God, surrendering every part of my life to Him in the morning, and letting Him write the story of my days.
♦ Freedom looks like saying “no” to things, even really good things, that do not line up with where God is calling and leading me in that particular day or season.
♦ Freedom looks like taking breaks from social media and technology to focus on what’s most important and be present right where I am and with those right in front of me.
♦ Freedom looks like taking full days off from running around the house or town to check things off the never-ending to-do list, and staying put right in the place God has given me to live and rest and enjoy to the fullest.
♦ Freedom looks like taking risks, trusting in God’s good and perfect plans, even when the path is scary and it’s not clear what it looks like at the end.
♦ Freedom looks like being open to growth and transformation via hard conversations, total vulnerability, and humility.
Freedom feels like complete honesty; boldness and confidence; sabbath rest (and not just on Sundays) breathing in and out grace, finding peace when life feels overwhelming; getting wild, singing, and dancing with joy to celebrate the small and big victories; and letting go of all the things and grasping onto the only thing that matters – Jesus.
This daily “living in a place of freedom” doesn’t end with the last day of this month, but is only the beginning. I have learned so much over the past year and have truly grown in ways I never imagined when 2016 first began. I will carry the lessons learned and truths grasped into the new year ahead and for the rest of my life.
Praise You, God, for setting this captive free and giving me all that I need to live this life You’ve blessed me with. I would not be who I am or where I am without You unfailing love, grace, and mercy in my life. You are good, so good.