All That I Have is Yours

As I’ve mentioned previously in this newsletter, I loved the movie Inside Out 2. It introduces a new emotion into the mind of the 13-year-old protagonist, one that many of us know well: Envy.

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It can seem impossible to avoid envy. That girl has cute shoes, that car is so hot, that bag would be perfect, their relationship is ideal… I’ve been off of social media for almost a year, and although it’s made a HUGE difference, I still find myself getting distracted by the things that others have that I want. This struggle is so deeply ingrained in us, but there is one surefire way to fight against it. And I was reminded of it this week while praying through the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

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As a quick refresher: a man has two sons. The younger son, wanting his inheritance right now, demands his father hand it over to him. He then goes off on a journey and squanders all of the money, finding himself longing for the scraps that are being thrown to the pigs. He decides to return to his father and beg for the chance to live as one of his servants. Instead of punishing him for his actions, his father runs to greet him, embraces him, and throws him a party.

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If any of you are “rule followers” you know well who I’m about to introduce: the stoic, loyal, by-the-book older brother. And he is mad. Why does his younger brother – who was so cruel and thoughtless, who broke all of the rules, who hurt his father with his actions – why does he get a party? The older son never got a party. The unfairness of this story can cut at our hearts, at least for all of us who struggle with a little self-righteousness (speaking for a friend…).

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But what does the father say in reply to the older son during his temper tantrum?

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All that I have is yours.

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What words of love, of goodness, and of truth. All that the Father has is ours. The joy, the peace, the love, the goodness, and the abundance of gifts; all ours. He gives it to us, freely. The older brother was so focused on what the younger was getting, so obsessed with doing the “right thing,” that he missed the gifts right in front of him.

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The lesson here is clear. We have all that we need, given to us generously by the Father who loves us. We don’t have to get grumpy or start scorekeeping – instead, He invites us to run to Him, to give Him our desires, and to trust that He is always working and always responding to us.

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This good Father knows us, loves us, and calls us by name. If you’re getting twisted up in checking boxes or following rules to earn His love, let me remind you that there is nothing we can do to earn it. As St. Therese says, “All is gift.” I pray that we can embrace this truth and live joyfully from it this week!

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I’ll be taking next week off of the newsletter for a little jaunt to France (I’ll be in Lisieux next Tuesdayk!!) so please send me your intentions and I’ll be sure to pray for you. And please pray for me!!

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In Christ,

Jane

Ep. 104 | Overwhelm, Organization, and the Importance of Play with Andy Hickman

One of the trickiest feelings to face is overwhelm, and it’s so tempting to grasp for control and quick fixes to organize our lives in a way that feels easy and manageable. But what if there’s another way? This week, I’m so excited to have Andy Hickman, founder of Hēl, on the podcast! We talk all about true freedom, what true organization looks like, and the importance of play. Enjoy! Tune in here on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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​I finally found the perfect summer shorts​

Every summer, I find myself melting in the heat but struggling so hard to find a pair of shorts that fit my waist but are also not too tight or too short… well folks we did it! Actually, Madewell did it. I’m obsessed with these new shorts and I wear them almost every Saturday/Sunday. And they’re on sale!! Finally, shorts that aren’t too short or awkwardly too long. I’m a fan!

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Send your prayer intentions!

I leave for Paris on Saturday and will be taking a day trip to Lisieux in exactly one week!! I would love to take your intentions with me. Please reply to this email and let me know how I can pray for you!!

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Little joys!

It’s hot as Hades out here but wow I’ve been finding so many little joys in my early morning walks to Georgetown, cooling off at my favorite coffee shop, and swimming at my local pool. During objectively the worst time of year to be in DC, this city has just been sparkling for me this week!! Praise God for these little gifts.

Prayer requests

• For safe travels this week
• For peace and productive dialogue this election cycle
• For a special intention!