First Week of the Rest of My Life

From our terrace I sense much. The sea and sky meet in the distance preceded by stacks of houses and balconies and rooftops climbing the mountainside. Birds and bells bring soft harmony to the mellow movement. The breeze caresses, gentle but constant. It carries aromas of flowers and food and wine. Mijas is more than a place, it’s an experience in every moment. So is life.

Every building here is white. Even without being pure and unblemished, the stains and dirt and grime fail to, in any way, reduce the shine and luster of this city on a hill. Each wall is a blank white canvas ready for something to be added, waiting for creative life to be brushed on to it. So are we.

This place is so full of life and beauty, yet it is so ready form more to be brought to it. A paradigm of color and vibrancy and rhythm waiting to be painted on, sung to, and brought to life, while life is already here with a resounding fullness. So is the Kingdom of God.

I exist in the place I am describing. The almost imaginary beauty and culture and life of this village is so captivating, inspiring, and life-giving. It’s no surprise that a large number of people come here on holiday. But, I’m not here on vacation. I’m focused on the canvas. The one of this life and myself and God’s Kingdom.

In just one week, it’s easy to see why God told me to come here. It’s not because this place is so fantastic, and it is fantastic. But, no, it’s because the people here around me are so fantastic. In just seven days I have been loved, taught, encouraged, strengthened, pushed, inspired, and humbled like never before in my life. It’s because this tribe of Christ-filled, Christ-following people around me are love, and they embody love because they are full of love because they are born to be loved. So are you.

It’s a beautiful truth to learn, and everything changes when you learn it. It makes the road ahead, a road that I know will be filled with challenge, triumph, suffering, rejoicing, pain, healing, death, and life, one that is a complete and total joy to approach with zeal and reverence and confidence. My life is all about His life, Christ in me, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Stop looking at your pain and problems and look at Christ who already overcame them, He who lives in your heart, in your spirit, look at Him in the mirror and give thanks that He loves you and chose you as His place to reside. If you’re not sure whether He resides in you, then ask Him to, and so He will. Christ in you, the hope of glory. It’s why we’re here on this earth.

Keeping it simple, just ask God what this mystery means. His answer will bring you to life, and introduce you to the person you truly are.

He loves you, and I love you.