As Executive and Administrative Assistants working from home these past several weeks, we’ve been on a pretty fast and steep learning curve.

• Re-ordering our work days.
• Adjusting systems to work in our new spaces.
• Learning a very different work/life dance.
• Implementing new levels of self-discipline. (I mean, the fridge is right there!)

For me, though, the steepest has been technology. Facebook live, making and posting videos, Zoom, and BombBomb to mention a few. Even if you are very comfortable and familiar with technology, I suspect that you’ve needed to learn a new level of usage for one or more of these platforms in order to support your oversight and the ministry you facilitate during the work-from-home life. It’s clunky. It’s unfamiliar. It’s new.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

Right away, I’ve found myself in the position of a defiant 3 year old with her arms crossed. “But I like the former things! You didn’t tell me things were going to change like this. No fair! Put it back!” But our God is a loving and patient Father and He gently encourages me not to dwell in what is gone. Too often I remember only the “good” parts of what is gone and conveniently forget the unhealthy parts that He has removed from my life in the process of moving me out of the old, the former, the past. It isn’t about fair. It’s about love.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

That same loving Father is excited about the new thing; it is a gift that He cannot wait to share with His beloved daughter! He is inviting me to come close and see the sprout of something new emerging from the fertile ground He has gardened. He isn’t deterred by my little temper tantrum. No, my loving Father actually welcomes my honest response to change, dries my tears, and gives me a gift. It isn’t about my response. It’s about love.

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Then He makes a promise. A promise to make a way through the unknown of the new and to bring life to the lifeless. He is doing all the work of making a way – all I need to do is follow Him and I’ll find the way through. He promises to provide life-giving streams as we walk into the new. We won’t arrive empty-handed; we’ll arrive with abundant life and overflowing provision. It isn’t about my self-sufficiency. It’s about His love.

I believe the Lord is graciously inviting us to welcome His new thing; a gift of love. Yes, there is pain in the loss and we need to grieve it honestly before Him. Grieving is part of the process of receiving something new. We have to let go of what we currently have in our hands in order to make space for Him to place something new back into them. He is excited to give us His gifts! He is the Master Craftsman, taking what was intended for evil and making good out of it. He is trustworthy. He won’t trick us. Will you release the old that you are holding on to so tightly? Will you trust that He is adding His good gifts of new to your open hands? Let’s do this together.

You are adored.

This fourth week of working from home was ugly:

My thoughts were ridiculously scattered.

Sadness over our current situation was more frequent.

Stress levels increased for unidentifiable reasons.

Major FOMO was happenin’ here!

Let’s be honest, as Assistants we are accustomed to being on the front lines of conversations, plans, and decisions. We extract the necessary details to execute our Oversight’s mission with excellence and grace. We certainly don’t do it alone – we are part of an amazing team of experts in their respective fields, each one offering their gifts and talents for the benefit of others and advancement of the calling. It is exciting. It is holy. It is fulfilling!

Suddenly, though, I found myself in a field…all by myself. It was lonely, confusing, and scary. And that’s when the enemy started in with all the lies. It was the perfect storm of ugly.

You can’t even think straight. I’ll bet you’re getting early dementia.

Things will never be the same. Just think of all the things you’ll miss.

Why can’t you get it together?! Surely, you’re letting things fall through the cracks.

It looks like everyone has moved on without you. You aren’t needed anymore.

Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Oooh, that enemy! He had been watching me and pounced, ready to devour me. He knows the stress that all of us are facing right now (even if we think we’re doing pretty well) and he whispered his lies into the situation. So last night, I found myself unable to sleep and praying to the Lord with tears running down my face. Yep, I told you it was ugly.

But despite the ugly, the Lord climbed in to my mess and met me. He met me with comfort, a listening ear, and truth. His truth. He invited me to put all those things that I had been holding on to in His big, capable hands. He invited me to trust Him – again – with my concerns and enjoy His gift of peaceful sleep. He reminded me that He has placed me where I am for His purposes. He reminded me that I’m not alone. Ever. And He asked if He could be invited into my struggle.

So I did. Gratefully.

This morning was fresh and new. It felt like the flood gates were opened and answers came flowing in. Thoughts were clear. Direction was given. My heart was lighter. And, once again, I could see that I was actually never alone in that field. Sure, the game plan has changed a bit but the mission has remained the same. And He will give me grace to adjust, gifts to utilize in this new season, and joy in the process. I just need to keep my eyes on Him and remember that He takes the ugly and makes it beautiful. His message to His daughters has never changed.

You are adored.

With so many people talking about slowing down these past few weeks, I’ve found that I am not one of them. Although my work looks differently at home than it did in the office, I still find myself working very full days. Sure, some responsibilities have been replaced with others – and even exchange of sorts. And finding new systems to accomplish a familiar task can take some time to navigate. I’ve even taken some time to refresh my operations manual and some other items that need periodic updating. But the slower days have not arrived. 

We used to tease my grandmother about the spring on her bum. Each time she would sit down, she’d suddenly jump up and run off to do whatever had settled into her mind as she settled in to her rocking chair. All of us would giggle as she scurried off to another room, happily doing whatever had been left undone. Then she’d come back moments later with a smile and an invitation to come sit on her lap or show us what we were coloring. She joyfully loved her family with acts of service. 

Later in life, I recognized that Grandma was always busy for her family but she was always present with her family too. I think somewhere along the line, I learned an unhealthy habit from observing a loving gesture – I didn’t have the balance that she seemed to master and I quickly found myself on a slippery slope of busy. It wasn’t until years later that I learned filling time with things to do is not a holy act of love.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

The Lord is clear here that He has prepared good works in advance for us to do. He definitely has work for us to complete! However, He does not say that we need to continually be in Do Mode. God has prepared good works for us and, because He is God, it hasn’t slipped His mind that He also created us for rest. So it is impossible for Him to overschedule us! Now that I am working from home, the lines have become blurred. Despite my best efforts to maintain balance, I find the temptation to “just do this one last thing” resulting in me overscheduling myself! Compound that with the stress that comes from our world’s current situation and I am likely to burn out during this “slower season.”

So, here I am again, being transparent with you about my familiar challenge. I am reevaluating how I address my responsibilities and recommitting to being aware of time gaps that don’t need to be filled. I am deciding to be brave and accept the gift of a slower pace when it presents itself because I also know that I am extraordinarily disciplined with my work responsibilities.

And I suspect that I’m not alone.

May I encourage you to take a deep breath? Take an honest look at what you are holding and ask the Lord if there is anything that you’ve picked up by yourself. Be brave and ask if there is anything you have filled open time with that doesn’t need to be there. He is gentle and faithful to reveal the unnecessary. And once that has been lifted, your hands will be free to hold His. You will be free to receive what He has intended for you. The frenzy will settle and the clamor will quiet so you are able to hear Him whisper…

You are adored.

I’ve learned a few lessons about myself over these past few days. How about you? Have you discovered anything funny, startling, pleasant, or surprising about yourself as you navigate a new, although temporary, normal? I confess that the first few days I was in discovery mode about others more than myself. You know, seeing all the annoying things that everyone around me is doing while being completely oblivious to my own annoying habits! Suddenly three full-time working adults were flung into the house together, full-time. While my daughter and I were navigating the newness that comes from working at home during a world-wide crisis, my husband was on vacation. Ahhh, the dynamics! I’ll leave it there.

After a bit, though, we began to settle into a new routine and I began to see things in myself. Some I liked, others made me laugh, and other things were not very pleasant. Being disciplined has served me well over the years but our current situation has highlighted that I really need grace with myself more than discipline. When I try to have a conversation with someone and can’t formulate a word, much less a complete sentence….I need grace not discipline. When I walk from one room to another and break into tears for no apparent reason….I need grace not discipline. When it takes me three times longer to complete a task at home than it takes in the office…I need grace not discipline.

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Ephesians 4:7

“…as Christ apportioned it.” Christ has given us grace with reckless abandon, fully pouring Himself out for our benefit, holding nothing back. We don’t have to ration His supply of grace. It is never-ending. Nor can we hoard it. It is waiting for us as we need it – waiting in abundance. Exhale.

I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath. I didn’t recognize I was rationing my requests of the Lord. I didn’t realize I have been walking without grace, keeping Jesus at arm’s length. As soon as I exhaled, my entire posture changed – physically and spiritually. Without my arms out in a protective position, the Lord could come close and hold me. We could talk more intimately and I could tell Him what I need. Even though He knows what I need before I ask, I could now see in His eyes that He simply loves to hear the sound of my voice. My focus zeroed in on Him and His loving gaze again. Peace returned. Grace came pouring in.

Discipline is also a gift from the Lord. But I had learned to rely too heavily on that one gift. When life changed so drastically, I subconsciously clung to what was familiar and didn’t recognize that additional gifts were waiting there for me as well. Our Father has not rationed His love or His gifts for us. As seasons change He provides all we need…and it may look differently than it ever has. But it all begins with His grace.

May I encourage you to exhale? If, like me, you have found yourself frustrated, frightened, or struggling to find your footing, stop and take a breath. Simply pause where you are and soak in His grace. Allow yourself to receive His gifts, even if they are new to you, and revel in His provision. This season is definitely uncertain to us and it is OK not to be OK. Take comfort that our God is not surprised and never changes. He is prepared. He is equipped. He is with you. And through it all He wants to remind you that…

You are adored.

Pendulum.

These days our “normal” seems to be a wildly swinging pendulum. One day normal is over here, the next over there. Back and forth, to and fro, with no particular reason. It makes me want to grab that pendulum on its next trip by and say, “STOP.” Yes, I want my version of normal to return. Right now.

When was the last time you took a ride on a swing? Do you remember the soothing calm that would come over your heart as you gently swayed back and forth in the warm sunshine? Or, do you remember the exhilaration of going higher and higher – convinced that you could touch the sky with just one more leg pump?

Same swing. Different feelings.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

These days we are faced more than usual with the realization that normal is actually always changing. We just didn’t notice it because normal usually changed at a pace we were familiar with. That pendulum of change….fast and slow….is all within God’s hands. Rather than reaching out and trying to stop it, the Lord lovingly invites us to trust Him with the entirety our (unsettled) heart. We aren’t meant to make sense of the insensible. That’s God’s job.

Maybe it is time to take a ride on a swing again. Rock peacefully in the sunshine till your heart is reminded that God has you in the palm of His hand. Let Him soothe your soul and remind His beloved daughter that…

You are adored.

Unexpected.

This is the word that we have been hearing quite a bit these past few days. Our routines have shifted, work spaces have changed, plans have been put on hold, and gatherings canceled. As Assistants, we are used to planning ahead and having (nearly) every detail in place to facilitate ministry in a productive way. Our “norm” is to meet over coffee to listen to the hurting, then grasp their hands in prayer and hug them tight while letting them know their Heavenly Daddy sees them and loves them. Recently, though, we’ve found ourselves repeatedly adjusting game plans for the same activity in very short order. We email and Facetime our hurting friends to pray electronically and remind one another that God is in control even when circumstances are so out of (our) control. It is a delicate balance of walking in faith while carrying questions of our own.

Father, this is unexpected.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.

Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (Good News Translation)

This is not unexpected by God.

This the God who knows beginning from end. The God who created all things out of nothing, separated light from darkness, gave the waters their boundaries. Our God is the One who sees the suffering of humanity and offers His own Son to make things right. This is the God who invites us to trust Him with all we are; allowing Him to show us the way. He is audacious enough to invite us to trust His wisdom in place of our own.

Dare I say that nothing has really changed. We were never in control; that was an illusion. Yes, our lives had a comfortable predictability but that was not control. That was routine. When tragedy strikes, our God is heartbroken but not surprised. He gently reminds us not to rely on what we think we know but to depend on Him to show us the way through the familiar and unfamiliar. This is an opportunity to trust Him without the comfort of the familiar.

The unexpected is uncomfortable.

We don’t like to be uncomfortable but that is usually where we grow. I am reminded of standing at the edge of the pool as a little girl. I loved the water as long as I could hold on to my Dad. Tightly. Splashing was fun. Bouncing was a joy. Being thrown into the air with a hearty “AIRBORN” was thrilling. But standing on the edge of the pool while the security of my Dad’s arms was a terrifying three feet away in the water….well, that was uncomfortable. It took my willingness to literally take the leap in order to learn that his arms would always be right there to catch me. Once I learned that, my discomfort became an exhilarating new way to enjoy the water.

He is with us in the unexpected.

Walking through the scary with the Lord is even better than walking through it with my Dad. Somehow He holds our hand as we jump into His arms. He lends us the courage we need to take the leap … in order to build our courage and grow. But sometimes we forget that He is holding our hand because it has become so familiar.

Precious friends, He is holding your hand. He’s got you. He is inviting you to trust Him and take the leap into the unfamiliar. It is OK to cry. It is OK to be scared. He isn’t bothered by your doubts. He welcomes your questions. He even understands your hesitations as you build enough courage to jump. All of it is a delight to His heart. It gives Him more opportunities to invite you, encourage you, and remind you that…

You are adored.

I am currently serving in my all-time favorite role thus far in my 38 years of employed life! Serving the Senior Pastor of our church is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I often feel the weight of my responsibilities and their ripple effect. That, combined with my bent to be very disciplined, and I could easily slip into a monastic way of thinking as I approach my responsibilities. You know… bowing low, super serious, hushed voices.

Yeah, not around here!

One of the things I enjoy most about my oversight – and our leadership team in general – is the genuine, life-giving, uproarious JOY with which they serve. There is no doubt that they face difficult situations, walk with people through gut-wrenching experiences, and navigate the scriptures with humble sincerity. Yet, their joy is undeniable. Each day I hear happy greetings with slaps on the backs and manly bro hugs. Unrestrained laughter bursts often from behind meeting doors.

They kinda’ like each other.

It is in this role that I have witnessed the most about honesty, perseverance, and encouragement. These men and women have taken the time to know, invest in, and cheer on one another as they’ve served together over time. They know God is faithful because they have seen it in good times and bad with one another. They have walked through life long enough to know that even if things are difficult in the moment, God is in on their side – cheering them on.

Understanding that God is your biggest fan, is life-changing.

Knowing how to cheer one another on has ripple effects into eternity. Cheering for someone reminds them of the truth that they may have temporarily forgotten. They can do this! They are called to this! They have people on their side who will lend the seed of belief until they, themselves, can believe again. Cheering is not a quiet activity. In fact, it usually involves a lot of “hootin’ and hollerin’” – the louder the better! And the louder the cheering, the louder the joy. Can you imagine what Heaven sounds like?!

Serving with joy does not take away from the seriousness of our work. In fact, it emphasizes the truth of the hope we profess. When our joy splashes onto those around us, it is contagious. It is energizing. It gives us courage. Will you join me in a renewed awareness to serve with joy? We have been entrusted with a holy work that merits a holy response. Let’s cheer for each other! I’ll start… you, my friend, are worthy, equipped, a precious daughter of the Most High, dearly loved, highly favored and …

You are adored.

Do you believe that you have been placed by God in your current position? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have been appointed by Him?

Recently, I realized that the enemy has been questioning me about my placement. Typical. Questioning is exactly what he did with Eve when he asked her, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Eve knew that she had permission to eat from any tree in the garden except for one because it would bring her death. But the serpent was crafty and tricked her into believing his lie.

Have you ever wondered down Memory Lane a little too far and found yourself in a forest dark with lies? We all have histories – stories that display our humanity in a way that we may not be proud of. It is at this junction in the road that the enemy hijacks our story, getting us off track by leading us down the path of shame or regret. We find ourselves just a few steps in and he begins with the questioning…

“Do you think they would have offered this to you if they knew the truth about you?”

“Do you really think you are qualified for this?”

…followed quickly by the accusations…

“They are pretending to be happy for you because we all know that you are really just….”

“You don’t belong here.”

When the enemy causes us to question our identity as daughters of the Most High, our focus shifts away from God. We begin to focus on our inadequacies, faults, and failures. We see that we really aren’t enough (on our own) and we can quickly find ourselves in agreement with our enemy.

But God.

The enemy would love for us to forget about God’s beautiful redemption of our stories. It was never about us being qualified on our own in the first place. It has always been – and always will be – about God’s faithfulness and goodness to His daughters. It is Him that qualifies and equips us. It isHim who entrusts His work to our hands. It is Him who places us where we are for His purposes. It is God’s loving involvement that is the most important, beautiful, and powerful message of our stories!

You have been perfectly placed by God for His purposes. He knows your story. He knows the plans He has for you. He knows what you need and when. It is His delight to appoint you, equip you, and establish your steps. He loves to throw the doors of Heaven open wide to lavish you with His gifts. Walk confidently as the daughter of the Most High. Remind the enemy whose you are. And remind him that…

You are adored.

You’re doing a good job!

The interviews, phone calls, emails, and arranging of calendars… The prayers, copies, and helping people find their place in the family of God… All of it is seen. Sometimes we can get lost in the process of our processes and forget that God is watching. We can forget that what we do is really for the glory of God – the menial and the magnificent.

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:

“You are the God who sees me,” for she said,

“I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Genesis 16:13

When was the last time we experienced the deep appreciation and wonder of Hagar when she realized that the God of the universe cared about her, saw her efforts, and responded with love toward her. She didn’t make one step outside of God’s watchful eye. Even when she ran, He sent His angel to encourage her and set her on the right path again. As a slave – a female slave – it was a miracle to be seen, let alone to be seen by God.

To be seen is powerful.

May I remind you that you are seen? Your work is precious to Him because of the heart with which you complete it. Whatever you set your hands to He is pleased with because you do it to honor Him. And you are seen not just for the work you do, but as the daughter that you are. You are doing a good job! “Good,” as in quality and “good,” as in ordained. He has given you a good work to complete in a good way.

You are seen! You are appreciated. You are treasured. You are cherished. And…

You are adored.

My Pastor has been known to say, “Where two or more are gathered, there’s sure to be a fuss!” We all smile and nod at the thought, but after nearly 25 years of pastoral ministry, he’s seen his fair share of squabbles. I think all of us could offer a story of a situation that somehow went sideways. Perhaps voices were raised, tones were a little harsh, or expressions were misread.

Before I was married, I worked in the advertising department of our local newspaper. I had zero experience in sales or advertising but I was grateful that the Director saw my desire to learn and hired me anyway! Deadlines, quotas, and fierce competition among our young, all-female sales force created the perfect opportunity for “a fuss.” Often. As it turns out, our little team fought for one another as much as we fought with one another! We became a band of sisters in those years and I learned a lot from them.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:14

However, there has been no better family than the Church that has taught me how to live with one another in love and forgiveness. When we all have the same starting place – God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved – we are able to see one another as family and drop the defensiveness that so easily divides us. We approach that person with compassion, kindness and humility – a true love for them and the desire to see God’s best fulfilled in their lives! And what a blessing when we are the recipients of the same care. Sure, we can fuss and we don’t always get it right, but our desire to live in unity and honor God with our relationships sets the stage for successfully loving one another. Mess and all!

What a beautiful recipe the Lord has given us. He reminds us who we are, who we belong to, and how to walk out the messiness of family life (at home, work and church) in a godly way. Then He reminds us to put on love so we are connected with one another in His perfect unity. It is just another way that He whispers….

You are adored.