My faith is really important to me, and it’s been a critical part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the church, and I’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the funny. That said, I used to have this idea that my spirituality was based in certain spiritual goals that needed to be achieved: walking in purpose, sacrificing for ministry, sharing “the good news”, as one of my Sunday School teachers used to always say. None of this is wrong, or bad, but I’m approaching my life differently now.

I’ve really learned over the years that God really wants the best for us and that the promise of an abundant life is yours for the taking. I said the other day that life is gonna life, and I mean that. There is so much that happens, whether it’s happening to us, for us, or by us- it’s happening. No matter what group(s) you may identify with or how many intersections you’ve uncovered, life doesn’t stop. It’s filled with twists and turns and greatness and loss and ease and struggle. No one is exempt, and that includes everyone who pretends they are.

The lesson, though, is that God created us to have it all, whatever that “all” is for you. He wanted us to have abundant life. He told us to be fruitful and multiply. So if I know that I have a God who wants that for me, above all else, I can take comfort in knowing that He loves me; be assured in the fact that He will be there to guide me; and work through difficulties that, while painful in the moment, will eventually strengthen me for the next season.

And when I’m living my best life, I can be my best self for the community around me. You’re part of that my friend. Cheers to you!