The Joy of Being a Participant

As I reflected on the past year, an interesting realization came to mind: I’m currently experiencing the joy of being a “participant.” In so many things I’ve done over the past few years, I’ve quickly jumped up into a helping or leadership role. It’s in my nature – I want to help! I want to add value! And there are so many endeavors worthy of our time and attention.

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However, three of the best parts of my past year have all been things that I simply show up and receive.

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The first is my weekly run club, which has been a tremendous source of joy, friendship, and encouragement over the past year. I have made incredible friends and so many memories! And while I do invite people to join us, I mostly get to just show up and run each week.

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The second is a weekly soup kitchen where I serve. Yes, I’m technically “helping,” but I’m pretty much just showing up and pouring coffee while making friends. Some incredible volunteers have been running the kitchen for decades, and they’re more than delighted to have me there to help in the background.

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Third is my “Christians at McKinsey” group at work. We meet monthly for reflections, discussions, and prayer, led each time by someone new. While I did lead our Advent gathering, most of the time I get to roll in and (you guessed it) receive.

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I’m not sitting here telling you to quit being a leader and to throw in the towel with things you care about. I’m speaking to the vast majority of my readers who are achievers, leaders, and performers, who can’t help but get involved (read: in over their heads) when they find something new they love. I’ve spent an unfortunate amount of time getting overextended, making promises I can’t fulfill because I’m overwhelmed, and then burning out and quitting everything because I can’t do it all. Maybe you have shared that experience, and so I tell you: embrace the joy of being a participant.

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Then, when the time is right, allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into roles with more responsibility – or not. We don’t have to do it all, all the time. And right now, I’m loving being a participant.

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Is there a situation where you can step back to experience more space and peace in your life? Is there something you’d love to do, but haven’t just “shown up” yet? I encourage you to pray about that and take action (or not!) this week.

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In Christ,

Jane

What I’m Loving Lately

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​Cabrini​

I finally saw the Cabrini movie and wow. It’s incredible to see this depiction of Mother Cabrini’s life and the way she loved the orphans and sick of 1890s NYC. The filmography is STUNNING! I do wish they showed a little more of her incredible prayer life, but it’s a remarkable movie and such a great reminder that God uses our weaknesses for His glory! I rented on Amazon here.

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​Ballerina Farm​

For the past few years I have struggled to like cooking… I love cooking for other people, but if I’m whipping something up for myself I don’t really care. I have been a big fan of Hannah for a few years now, and recently went back to watching some of her short videos that show her cooking – and it’s like a switch flipped. I have been cooking up a storm in recent weeks and it’s not a coincidence. The media we consume, consumes us!! And watching her bake and cook gorgeous food from scratch makes me want to do it even more.

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​Your Plans, God’s Plans​

I really enjoy Tim Keller, and I recently listened to this sermon called “Your Plans, God’s Plans.” Woof. 🔥 I highly recommend! Here’s the Spotify Link and here’s YouTube!

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​J. Crew Cameron Pants​

I get a *preposterous* amount of compliments whenever I wear these pants, so I thought I would share. I have them in three colors, but navy is my favorite!! They’re also having a massive sale right now…

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See you September 10!

I’m taking two weeks off! I’m headed with my family on a cruise through Alaska, and I’m determined to unplug 🙂 I’ll see you back here on September 10!

Prayer requests

• For a special intention
• For friends who are traveling

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