Wow! I want to thank you for the “box of sunshine” that you ladies dropped off for me last week. I was so incredibly moved and touched when you rang my doorbell. I had just gotten back from a 3-day retreat where I felt at peace because it was the first 3 days I had better health and could leave my house in over 2 months. Praise God for a short reprieve! When I received the box, I just sat and I cried. I felt overwhelmed by God’s love, and also very undeserving (which my husband quickly reminded me not to feel guilty, and just receive). But that’s tough for me. It took some time to get over the wave of emotion (my love language is gifts as well), but I finally unpacked and read each thought-filled card from women I don’t know, giving encouragement and love from afar. I’ve been feeling so isolated, confused by what health complications my body is going through, and not feeling like I have any control over my mind and my body. I have been meditating on what it means to “suffer well.” In short, I’ve learned that I don’t think I suffer very well! I rely too much on comfort and health, and my identity is placed a lot in what I can “do.” But a passage I’ve been thinking about is how to just show up at the feet of Jesus each day, and listen to him. (Luke 10:39). Not to try to look for the answers, or “how can I fix it” all the time, but just to show up at Jesus’ feet like Mary did when he came to her house. It’s been very tough to hear or feel God in these past few months, but your box is clearly God pursuing my heart even still. It is the outpouring of hope I needed to keep persevering! We all have our own thresholds and battles, and so the gifts you’re giving others is Jesus’ hands and feet encountering them! Thank you for all of the sunshine that fills my house now! Every time I look at it I will think of you ladies and how you’re living out being disciples of Christ in a beautiful way. I will be praying for each one of you and your wonderful mission!
