Dancing through life
A reminder to twirl
My hotel room overlooks a large harbour and a boardwalk. In the mornings, I sip my coffee and spend time in prayer while looking out this big window. Many mornings I see people below me starting their morning runs, which makes me itch to head out for mine once my prayer time is over. I see people taking long walks, riding their bikes to work, taking their kids out in strollers, walking their dogs - there’s always something to see!
But the other morning, I saw something that touched me in my prayer exactly where I needed it. Two young girls were standing in front of a fence, twirling and posing as their mother took photos of them. One of them struck a few ballet poses while the other spun around her, waving her arms and kicking her legs. Watching them, I thought, “Wow, how great it would be to be so young and carefree and to just play.” Almost immediately, I heard the Lord say, “That’s who you are to me.”
Being an adult can be really hard sometimes, especially in a world where we feel like we can do anything or be anyone or live anywhere, with so few boundaries and limitations on us and our time or decisions. Most of the time, that’s a champagne problem - which job should I get? Where should I live? How should I spend my weekends? - but sometimes, it can be just plain overwhelming.
But as I sat in prayer and felt the Lord love me through those little girls, I received His reminder in full: He loves us, He provides for us - we are free to play, to dance, to twirl with reckless abandon. We can live in the freedom of knowing and trusting that He has good things for us and surrounds us with His providence.
Please know of my prayers for a twirly, dancey, fun week ahead!
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
Anxiety: A Catholic guide to freedom from worry and fear
My therapist wrote a book on anxiety (I told her “can’t wait to read all about myself in your book!”) and it is so good. I’m not the biggest fan of spiritualizing mental health discussions, but this book did not do that and was phenomenal - even highlighting saints who struggled with different moments of fear and worry. If this is something you ever wrestle with (or if you love anyone who does) I highly recommend.
The airpod dilemma
As I’ve shared here, I gave up my airpods for Lent, and it was hard but incredible. I had so many more random conversations, met more people - it was a delight overall! However - now that I’m back using them, I can’t find a rhythm! Either I have them in all day or I don’t want them in at all. Anyone figured this one out? I don’t want to be antisocial but I also love podcasts!! I’m thinking of just keeping them out in public (unless I’m running) or going without on little walks? What works for you all?
Friends in town <3
It was so, so sweet to have friends in town last week! Sydney is such a fun city and I absolutely adored running around with them and showing them everything that I love about it here. We got to do so many gorgeous runs - seen here in Bondi!
Prayer intentions
For a special intention
For my dad’s birthday tomorrow!!
Dear Jane! You are one of the most twirling girls I know! Keep up the fun and bask in God’s love for you, regardless of how the world tries to overwhelm :)