After starting today’s reflection several times on various topics, then deleting (the 2023 version of scrunched up pieces of paper on the floor), I looked around the room for a sign. A book that was given to me after my dad died caught my eye. The cover is teal blue and stands out on the bookshelf. It is a “prayer of the day” book, which has always felt “too churchy” to me. [Can I say that in a church reflection?] However, thinking, “What harm can it do?”, I decided to look up today’s message. And bam [face palm emoji].

“Bring me all your feelings, even the ones you wish you didn’t have. Do not hide from your fear or pretend it isn’t there. Anxiety that you hide in the recesses of your heart will give birth to fear of fear. Bring your anxieties out into the Light of My Presence, where we can deal with them together.”*

The best messages are the ones you didn’t even know you needed. I read this and I physically felt a lifting of fear and anxiety that I didn’t realize I was holding on to. Though, I shouldn’t be surprised. Between work and home, there are a variety of transitions going on and some have unknown outcomes. Through writing this reflection, I’m realizing that I haven’t given myself space or grace to consider how I feel about these transitions – whether it be a new boss or a new school.

What fear or anxiety might you be holding on to? Remember that God is there to help lighten the load. Take time to reflect and see where God is in the situation.

- Stacy Wells

*An excerpt from the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. The July 19 message is from Ephesians 6:16; 1 John 1:5-7; and Isaiah 12:2.