2017 was a year of many firsts for me. I moved away from home, moved to a new country, lived on my own, and learned to fend for myself. Let me tell you, it was exhausting! I arrived to Goteborg Sweden at night after most stores closed at 9pm, and tossed and turned in my shared hostel room too anxious and hungry to fall asleep. I remember climbing out of the top bunk and up to the kitchen on the top floor just so I could journal and distract myself. As I scribbled in my journal, a man entered and sat close enough to strike up a conversation, yet far enough to be polite. Eventually we started talking, and during our conversation, the man offered me ramen noodles (just what I needed!). He was from Egypt and shared about his life as I boiled the water and he opened the packets. We encouraged each other over our steaming bowls late into the night, and then we went our separate ways. While I do not remember much else from our conversation I will always remember the way it made me feel. I felt seen by a person generous enough to share his time, food, and wisdom with me. I also felt seen by God who knew all that I needed to ensure I kept my head high and spirit up during a difficult night where I believed I was on my own for truly the first time.

The rest of my time in Sweden was filled with new friends and God moments. It was then I realized that truly living an independent life is just smoke in mirrors. It's not possible no matter how much we like to think it is. There will always be a kind stranger, a new friend and the Lord to offer help, guidance and support when we needed it.

Have you ever had an experience where a stranger or friend provided just what needed at the right time?

Do you struggle with the fear of stepping into the unknown? I do. Especially when it's traveling to a new place or starting a new job. The sad part is that fear is one of the main culprits that can steal our daily peace. Instead of ignoring the unknown peace studies embraces the essence of risk because risk can play a valuable role in reimagining the situation. Sometimes when we are so overwhelmed with fear we might overlook people who are in our corner. If you're afraid to take the next step in your journey then I encourage you to talk with someone you trust, visualize the event happening the way you want it to, and to pray about it! Psalms 55:22 says to "cast your cares onto the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." -NIV.

What is one step you took in the past that you're proud of?

At times it may feel exhausting to look around and see people in seasons that you wish you were in. Engagements, moving into a new home, beginning an amazing career, you name it!
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This reminds me of last year's season between late winter and early spring. When I lived in Indiana, I often saw my friends in California post pictures of flowers, the beach, and their cute spring outfits while I was still stuffing my feet into two pairs of wool socks.
I even remember the sinking feeling in my stomach when I learned a Midwest winter could linger into April!
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Springs in northern California come like a rush of warm wind. Plum trees can fully bloom in a few weeks' time, yet they sometimes last much shorter than spring flowers in the Midwest. In colder weather, spring comes as a sigh over the land. Daffodils may appear in small little clusters over snow covered hillsides. And sage green buds on the bare trees often blur into the gray of spring fog. The slow beauty of changing nature was breathtaking.
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If there's one thing I've learned from observing the coming of spring is that the same season can be beautiful and uniquely different. While you see people starting families, getting married, moving abroad, entering new relationships etc. I hope you remember that there is beauty in your season and in the pace it unfolds.

Flourishing: (of a person, animal, or other living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.
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In the fall of 2019, I attended a conference on Building Sustainable
Peace. I remember my excitement as I was surrouned by flurries of conversations ranging from strengthening international negotiations, new peacebuilding technologies, and decoloniality. Yet one panel in particular transformed how I understood peace. The presenter, Katherine Grein, discussed "The Many Faces of Resilient Mothers", and how mothers established ecosystems of resilience. This often included healthy connections and fostering physical environments that cultivated a sense of safety. Before her presentation, I believed resilience was internal - mental fortitude -having grit and pushing beyond one's boundaries. I believed I was resilient because I managed to accomplish quite a bit under deeply challenging circumstances throughout my life. However, I never intentionally took stock of how my physical environment, community, and even beliefs added to or chipped away at my resilience. That day showed me that success does not necessarily equate to flourishing. It is only one aspect to a much larger process.
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Today's reflection: What does healthy growth or flourishing looking like to you?