. asking the right question .

You will show me the way of life, 

granting me the joy of your presence

 and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 16:11

. asking the right question .

It's a new year. A blank slate.

Last year was a year of movement. I physically and emotionally transitioned every 2-3 months since I returned from Malawi - moved from California to Washington, physical therapy internships from Seattle to Atlanta to Seattle, graduated from Physical Therapy School, passed my NPTE boards, job searching. With each of those achievements came waves of emotions - joy, relief, fear, anxiety, anger - I think I finally understand the meaning of a mood swing.

With each experience new questions pestered my thoughts: Where am I going to find a job? Do I want to apply for PT residencies? Where do I want to live? What church should I commit to? How do I align my values and goals with my lifestyle? Am I going to have any New Year's Resolutions?

Each of these questions disturbed me. I couldn't find peace. They kept me up at night, rattling me awake and leaving me empty.

Only 1 question was different. It brought peace. It permitted me the wiggle room to explore and make mistakes... and to be okay with that reality. 

If I believe that eternity is real, how does this affect my life today?

Peace. Grace. Relief.

If I believe that eternity is real...

.... I don't have to worry about having regular quiet time and feel guilty about missing it.

.... I can trust that everything is provided for me (job, home, relationships, etc.)

.... I don't have to feel rushed into choosing a local church body because we are ALL family

.... I don't have to worry about where I should live because I have plenty of time to build roots

.... I don't have to be afraid to make mistakes because I'm moving from glory to glory on a daily basis

This was the right question for me to ask in this season of my life. It zapped my attention off myself and my circumstances, and laser beamed it back onto Jesus. It's as if Jesus knew that I needed this question to help tether myself back to his heart, instead of feeling pulled in 100 different directions at once.

So, here is to a year of daily living the reality of eternity with Jesus. And here's to a year of regularly documenting how the Lord uses this question to direct my path. Cheers! 

Happy New Year!

Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging

 have the courage to be imperfect.

Brene Brown

After I passed my boards, my brother-in-law wanted to have a celebratory photoshoot. This is me channeling my inner Elsa and letting go (according to my friends). I'd say this picture sums up my expectations for this year: goofing off with the ones I love.