Kindred Spirits

(Katie)

I am in the process of training to run a half marathon with Isaac, one of the RA's that I am mentoring this year. We are taking the definition of discipleship quite literally, living it out for an entire 13.1 miles. Running is my time of communion with God. I pray, listen, and talk to God. Its life giving for my soul.  This morning as I ran, my heart was heavy with sorrow as I finally had emotional space to name the fact that I am missing my community in Minnesota. I miss "feeling known"... the gift of being known so deeply that you don't have to explain what you need when you are tired, discouraged, or anxious. Or the gift of being able to celebrate the mini victories throughout the day with people who know your crap. Lord, where are my "Kindred Spirits," as Anne of Green Gables refers to it?

In the midst of mourning those deep connections (which can and will be maintained long distance) and praying, I felt convicted that I am entering into a season where God wants to teach me about the diversity of His body. Thus far, I've spent most of my life connecting with people who look, sound, and are passionate about the same things that I am. "Behold, I am doing a new thing......do you not perceive it" (Isaiah 43:19)" No Lord, I have't perceived "it" or "the way" that You are making for me (v.19).

As I've walked with the Lord, something I've learned is that you can't fail any of God's tests, you simply get to retake them (over and over). In The Shack, the character of God talks about how He knows that it may take a person 46 times before they learn the truth He is trying to teach them. Each time they miss it, God still celebrates because it will only take 45 more times until they get it. God loves the process and finds value in the journey. So even when I mentally beat myself up on the treadmill, realizing I've missed this truth yet again, God is still rejoicing over me and my mini-breathrough.

In fact, not only is He rejoicing, He is gracious...providing opportunities for me to apply what I've learned throughout the day. When I got home from running, I opened my computer and received an incredible word of encouragement from a woman at church that I judged. This woman proved to be very attuned with the Spirit and spoke refreshing words of life to my soul that ministered to the deeper places. Yes, can use anyone. Later, I went for a walk with an incredible woman of God who has been very intentional in reaching out to me and wanting to get to know me. At first, I was nervous to hang out, feeling emotionally over burdened and exhausted.  But, I went. Anne provided breathing room for my soul. She blessed me, allowing me to process some deep pride issues that I keep rubbing up against. I left our time together feeling refreshed and cared for in the dark, ugly places of my soul. Finally, dinner with K Dove, my Honey Rock soul mate. This friend of mine is the epitome of wisdom and depth. One of those rare gems that you secretly want to have a notebook with when you meet with them because their words are so profound. The love of Jesus oozes out of her. She also has been a phenomenal mirror for me in helping me to look honestly at myself. As we laughed and processed the gift and craziness of Residence Life, I felt grateful that God has provided a friend who meets me in the beauty and messiness of my new life as well as the deeper places.

If I humble myself, God can use ANYONE to speak truth, encourage, and if I am courageous enough to let down my wall...actually enter into the beauty and mess that is my life. God is relentless. He wants ALL of us. He will stop at nothing to show His love for us. Often, He comes to us in the form of others...our kindred spirits and most often, and in the most profound of ways, the people we would least expect...like the woman at church you judged.

Be open....God's doing a new thing....do you not perceive it yet?