The “Next Chapter!”

In the flurry of graduating from my MBA program this past month, I’ve received a lot of advice and encouragement. But hands down, the phrase I’ve heard the most is “I’m so excited for you and this next chapter!” These are kind words, spoken with genuine enthusiasm, but in my heart, they’ve been begging the question: what if I really, really like the current chapter and don’t want it to end?

Transitions are so tricky, and if you’re walking one right now, know that I’m in it with you. It’s hard to step forward into the unknown, especially if you’re a planner like me. And when we have our routine and community and life “figured out” in a certain place and season, it can be a little scary to leave that for something new.

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But I want to speak to all of us in transition (including myself!) right now: you might not have a plan, but God does. You might not know what this next “chapter” holds, but you know the One who holds it. Your heart might be aching as you say goodbye to people and places that you love, but you can take comfort in remembering that just as God provided these graces in this place, He is already working to provide for you in the next one.

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Every good thing in this life requires a first step of courage, a trust that when our feet hit the waves, Jesus will stretch out His hands to catch us. As Pope Benedict XVI famously said, “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort – you were made for greatness.”

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As much as I want to be in charge, to have a ten-step plan and 20/20 vision into the future, it wouldn’t be good for me, because God is a far greater author than I could ever be, and not knowing what the future holds teaches me to trust Him. Humans can only copy, whereas God is the ultimate creator. Could you imagine how boring life would be if we were in charge? No thank you – I would so much rather have this life, a life of beauty and joy and heartbreak and love and surprises than anything I could write on my own.

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So as I step into a summer of rest, recreation, and renewal, I pray for the grace to surrender my plans and my desires to Him every single day. I pray in gratitude for everything He has done for me. I pray for this next “chapter” and for my openness and willingness to say yes and jump in with total confidence that God wants the very best for me. And I pray for you, for whatever transitions and changes this summer might bring you. Over the next few months, I’ll be talking with podcast guests about their own seasons of transition, and I cannot wait to bring you some incredible stories and wonderful wisdom!!

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In Christ,

Jane

What we’re loving lately:

Happy Feast of the Visitation!

• Female friendship has been the anchor of so much of my joy in my life – and this feast day, celebrating Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is one of my very favorites. The homily I heard this morning highlighted something I had never considered: Mary traveled to the hill country to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, and in her actions she taught Jesus how to climb hills with strength and courage. This foreshadows his own journey, carrying his cross up the hill of Calvary. If you haven’t yet, I recommend spending some time with Luke 1:39-56 in prayer. Also, there are literally thousands of images of this moment, but here’s my current favorite:

Arthur Brooks Commencement Address

• It’s that time of year, and I wanted to share with you these takeaways from Arthur Brooks’ address at Catholic University this past month! Check out the short article here, highlighting why he thinks two common pieces of advice for graduates are “terrible.”

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NYU Commencement Address

• I wanted to share with you the speech I gave at our commencement!! It was the craziest experience and such an honor.

A poem I’ve been sitting with by Morgan Harper Nichols

Prayer Requests

• Prayers for all those looking for work, and those who have been recently laid off
• A special intention

If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!

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