Porch #148 * What matters most in this liminal season?

liminal = the perfect adjective to describe this nebulous, misty wedge of life that links summer & autumn

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. 
He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears,
and He will tell you what is yet to come.
John 16:13

Hello again, my fine friends!   

My heart is filled with gratitude for you, wise and cherished readers.  You are the best encouragers, cheerleaders, mentors, seekers, trailblazers, creators, thinkers, and all-round companions. And I’m so excited to announce that our little community reached that magical 500 subscribers mark this week.

One post, one comment, one note, one like, one inquisitive, hopeful new sojourner at a time.

You guys bring your wonderfully diverse, authentic, kindred spirit selves to the table. You hail from 45 states (Alaska, Mississippi, North Dakota, Vermont, we’re missing you!) and 16 far flung countries. You add your life experience, faith, humor, and common sense to our conversations, spread the word about Grace & Space to your people, and are pivotal in making this little worldwide community a safe haven where we together, by the power of the Spirit, cultivate emotional healing, spiritual growth, and a peaceful life.

Thank You, Jesus. I love what You’re doing here.

As we gently transition into a fresh season, I find myself leaning forward to hear your stories, pick your brains, and glean from your hard won insights. Not because I'm nosy and intrusive but because the older I get, the more I find myself curious and inquisitive.  

It's one of those days where my head is swirling with topics for discussion, competing for space like my bedside table jumble.  

And while all kinds of options are busy shouting pick me, pick me, I can't quite sense the direction God wants to lead us into today.

And that can be a much needed wake up call.  

For while we'd like to think we can plan our days, filling our calendars and launching head first into the next minute, we do best when following the Holy Spirit's leading.  And that requires releasing our agendas and inviting Him to settle and quiet all that swirls in our overwrought brains and souls so that His purposes end up shining through bright and clear.

I’ve found that as we release our preconceived notions and agendas the mist begins to lift and clarity emerges.

For when we get out of our own way, He whispers peace.  Correction.  Hope.  Clarity.  Direction. Anticipation.

As one season almost imperceptibly morphs into the next, this kind of liminal space becomes the perfect time to figure out what's going on inside our heads and hearts, an opportunity to re-evaluate our commitments and calendars.  Done well, with a bit of grace and space around us and in the company of God and those who can help us discern, this can be a gently-paced, stress-less process of discovery and renewal ... as opposed to the typical frantic mad dash scenario that comes crashing in after Labor Day. 

I do love asking what questions.  Some people relish this while others ignore me or wish I'd simply go away.

Like what saved your life this summer? What have you been dreaming of?  Creating?  And what are you embracing and anticipating?

What Scripture has captured your heart?  What's your biggest fear?  Your deepest passion?  What's making you sad?  

What's stirring inside your soul?  What do you miss ... and what are you completely done with?

What’s mattering most?

Let's talk.  I promise to listen well and not get all bossy with you.  And if you have questions for me, I'll try to answer them.  

Yours in the unsure, in between spaces,
Linda

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🔗 Paula . Joanne . Andrew . Joanne . Lynn