It’s a little over a year since I wrote my first ever Ignite blog, ‘Living your best life: belonging and connection’. Since then life has been full of change and with that new challenges. Many of you know what ‘adventure / madness’ I have embarked on, if you don’t, I’m happy to chat anytime during the Easter or Summer holidays!  

Each morning, before anyone is awake, I carve out 15 minutes to have a cup of tea and read from a little 365 day
devotional book called ‘Jesus Calling’ by Sarah Youngⁱ. This is the perfect start to the day and focuses me back to what’s important. Daily focus on trusting God and being grateful has shifted my outlook with liberating results.  I will share three messages that really resonated with me over the last few months reminding me to be calm, ask for God’s help and most importantly don’t take yourself too seriously.  

‘Rest in my radiant presence. The world around you seems to spin faster and faster, till everything is a blur. Yet there is a cushion of calm at the center of your life where you live in union with Me. Return to this soothing Center as often as you can, for this is where you are energized : filled with My Love, Joy and Peace…… Live in the light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others……  Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:12.’ 

‘Continue on this path with me, enjoying My Presence even in adversity. I am always before you, as well as alongside you. See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me. The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand…. I am everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf. That is why your best efforts are trusting Me and living close to Me. … Hebrews 7:25; Psalm 37: 3-4.’ 

The next quote really called to me as a teacher of 11 and 12 year olds. ‘Don’t take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me. You have me on your side, so what are you worried about? … Proverbs 17:22. 

Today is Monday, a precious bank holiday one! I swam with my swim buddies we laughed and chatted. One gave me a remembrance card for a dear friend who sadly passed away this time last year. She was a dear friend who encouraged me to make changes, I always remember her words ‘Your wings are clipped, fly that nest’, she listened, understood and encouraged me to challenge myself. I wish she could see the adventure I’m on now. It seems appropriate that on her remembrance card was the Serenity Prayer.  

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 
Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. 

[1] Jesus Calling – Enjoying Peace in His Presence, 365 Day Devotional by Sarah Young