More Spacious Places: I'm Loved

That probably sounds a tad bit silly to make as a title....or potentially even as a post. But, it's a really important conclusion I'm coming to.

For a lot of my life, I really only thought people cared about me for what I could do for them and/or how good a person/friend/student/Christian/employee/daughter/girlfriend/etc I was. I thought I'd worked through it...until as recently as this summer. And, during my breakdown, I realized that part of the reason that I am so busy, doing so many things all of the time, is because I want to feel valued, important and/or loved by the people around me.

Well, Jesus is bringing me lots of freedom in this are...especially over the past few weeks. But, last week, I struggled through a tough relational issue, all those feelings of being inadequate, unloved and unaccepted came flooding back to the forefront.

But, Jesus is really, really kind. Last week when I was struggling so badly and hurting so much, I asked Him to show me that I really am loved by Him and by others. And He did. First, it was encouragement by one of my favorite people on the planet, Ini. Then, phone conversations with my stepmom and sister. Then, a phone call to Uganda to talk with Jennie. And, then getting to see Amanda and Karlena - friends that mean so much to me and whom I don't get to see very often anymore but happened to be at the wedding I sang at this weekend (for some friends from church, Brice and Nikki).

Then, yesterday, I had lunch with Karlena and her husband (and my adopted big brother) Jason and then spent the afternoon with one of my favorite guys on the planet Ryan, his amazing wife Sherry and their adorable daughter Kristen.

All these people sought me out, have no expectations of me and yet really love and value me. It was exactly what I needed. And, I'm so thankful that all these amazing people are a regular part of my life. Jesus is really very kind to me.

Here are some pictures from the wedding: