Welcome to the month of Celebration! It is the time of year when we attend award ceremonies, graduations, and our calendars become quickly overcrowded. Some refer to the month as “Maycember”, reminding us of the chaotic nature we felt in December. Often it leaves little room for our souls to breathe. So, how do you and I navigate this discipline and month well? A couple principles I am learning and living into are…
As a former teacher, college instructor and now coach; I have a love-hate relationship with award ceremonies. While I believe that God calls us to work as unto Him, I find as flesh-filled humans, it is easy to become polarized–losing perspective in the process. Either, we feel too good about ourselves, our accomplishments and/or our children. Alternatively, we feel too bad about ourselves, our accomplishments and/or our children. So, I would encourage you to live into this reality: your Identity is not in performing. Your Identity was settled at the cross and there is no accolade that will change that; there is no affirmation that brings a deeper sense of confidence.
Change is hard and looks different for everyone. As a parent, I am celebrating my first high school graduate. While I am excited about the journey God has for my daughter, letting the rope out a little more has not been easy. At every turn, I feel the Lord saying, “Erin, do you trust me?” So, whether it is a first child graduating or another change you are navigating, give yourself the kind of compassion you would eagerly offer another in this process.
Finally, it is okay if you are not certain of your Purpose or Direction. This month can become so overwhelming with the question, “What are you going to do next?” or “What college are you attending?” I am sure you can identify other simple, but sometimes troubling inquiries. While these are natural and logical questions, what may be more helpful is to ask yourself and those around you, “Where do you sense God calling you?” By focusing on calling-prep, we are giving grace to ourselves and those around us knowing that God’s purposes and ways are higher than our ways and plans. This is the kind of support I have needed for the last nine months, and I am confident the kind you need today.
I am excited to encourage and equip this community by asking:
How does Celebration relate to Identity?
How does Celebration relate to Purpose?
How does Celebration relate to Direction?
Thriving Together,
~Erin
