I’ve written many times about how ferociously blessed I am to live here in Santa Cruz County and to be doing the work I was born and called to do as a pastor. I pinch myself on the regular these days. And… I’ll also say… The last few months have also been challenging.
I needed to read this today. I have so many balls in the air, and I can catch maybe one or two. Aging does that to one. Yet, when I read Jonas, I realize that even if I catch only one, in fact, even if I don't catch any, God is still with me. He does not judge me by my successes and achievements.
Jonas, if I didn't know better, I would swear you're listening in on my thoughts! I am so where you are, I am so blessed, but the challenges have been rolling in more frequently recently. And I too go to "what is going on with all this crazy!" place. The second place I go is inward; worrying; too much in my head. I just realized yesterday that I was cutting off my source of hope, joy and lightness. I sat outside and breathed it all in and remembered just what you said. God doesn't "make" things happen, they're always by my side helping me through or rejoicing with me in all that happens. I'm not happy you are having this turmoil, but was thankful to read it's not just me. ;) Thank you for who you are.
Change is hard. In 2021 my Mom died, our beloved cat died suddenly, and literally the next morning my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. The rest of the year was a blur of medical appointments, surgery, healing. And thankfully, we soldiered on and now all is well. My wife is cancer free. We sold our bigger house for a little bit smaller, better house. I’m fond of the phrase “This too will pass.” May the illnesses, financial headaches, and lingering doubts evaporate and life in Aptos embrace you and yours in a blessed journey of purpose, fulfillment, health, and joy.
Hey Jonas. I am so glad I stumbled across this post. I wish you could teleport over for tea. You leaving was a real loss and I wish we'd had more time together. You're in my/our heart and we're always here. Miss you. 🙏🏾
Thank you for this one. A gentle reminder that when the going gets tough (and like all I’ve had some really tough times in my 63 years), God is faithful still. And so far I haven’t needed to try to wrestle a blessing out of Him (knock on wood)!
I needed to read this today. I have so many balls in the air, and I can catch maybe one or two. Aging does that to one. Yet, when I read Jonas, I realize that even if I catch only one, in fact, even if I don't catch any, God is still with me. He does not judge me by my successes and achievements.
Jonas, if I didn't know better, I would swear you're listening in on my thoughts! I am so where you are, I am so blessed, but the challenges have been rolling in more frequently recently. And I too go to "what is going on with all this crazy!" place. The second place I go is inward; worrying; too much in my head. I just realized yesterday that I was cutting off my source of hope, joy and lightness. I sat outside and breathed it all in and remembered just what you said. God doesn't "make" things happen, they're always by my side helping me through or rejoicing with me in all that happens. I'm not happy you are having this turmoil, but was thankful to read it's not just me. ;) Thank you for who you are.
Change is hard. In 2021 my Mom died, our beloved cat died suddenly, and literally the next morning my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. The rest of the year was a blur of medical appointments, surgery, healing. And thankfully, we soldiered on and now all is well. My wife is cancer free. We sold our bigger house for a little bit smaller, better house. I’m fond of the phrase “This too will pass.” May the illnesses, financial headaches, and lingering doubts evaporate and life in Aptos embrace you and yours in a blessed journey of purpose, fulfillment, health, and joy.
Hey Jonas. I am so glad I stumbled across this post. I wish you could teleport over for tea. You leaving was a real loss and I wish we'd had more time together. You're in my/our heart and we're always here. Miss you. 🙏🏾
Thank you for this one. A gentle reminder that when the going gets tough (and like all I’ve had some really tough times in my 63 years), God is faithful still. And so far I haven’t needed to try to wrestle a blessing out of Him (knock on wood)!