Goodbye 2024

 I make space
for 2025, the year of Jubilee 
keenly i sense, shifting airs 
wind in breath -- i inhale, exhale 
movement forward,
movement forward.

Plainly I see, 
new horizons beckoning, 
new courage arising - i inhale, exhale
movement forward,
movement forward.

Foot on ground,
I traverse new land,
no control - this heart of hope
movement forward, 
movement forward,
the year of Jubilee.

To Ride the Wave

 This month has been a blur, with plenty of ups and downs. From finding out my sister is pregnant with a baby boy (I'm going to be an aunt!),  being on a brief hiatus from therapy sessions (due to an unexpected leave of absence Elizabeth had to take - I just got wind that she's able to see clients again and I'm looking forward to squeezing in one more session to wrap up 2024), hosting my mom for 9 days at the beginning of the month, to accidentally setting the naan bread on fire in the oven while cooking dinner for my roommates and having to use the fire extinguisher, to starting the Paris marathon training, I feel like it's been a constant go go go towards the final days of 2024. 

But in the midst of the fray, I've been able to pause. During cold weather runs, random Saturday evenings when I have the space to myself to cook and clean to my heart's desire while dancing to good music, to going to Chicago Tabernacle by myself and bawling my eyes out while worshipping and praying. These moments feel sacred, and I find myself leaning in, peering into what God is revealing to me in the moment. The biggest inclination of this season has been to worship God and I am thankful to be ushered into the presence of God at Chi Tab, alongside old and young, men and women, husbands and wives, individuals who are single, those who are hungry and seeking, the list goes on. 

The other day, one of Dr. Fleisher's patients surprised her in her office and gifted her a million dollars to use towards her work and research and when she told our team the good news, we all sat there with our mouths gaping wide open. I even got to hold the card and read the special message from the donor that was addressed to Dr. Fleisher. A million freaking dollars - can you imagine? Last night, I was worshipping God and as I was standing there, he whispered in my ears, 'but I have something better for you than a million dollars. Here is my love, my presence, my grace towards you moment by moment." I cried even harder. I am deeply, deeply passionate about worshipping God for who he is and what he has done for me and what he continues to do. And I know that in seasons that feel barren and empty, he delights when we worship him in those seasons even more. 

This season, I am learning to ride the wave, leaning into the ups and downs, embracing the opportunity to experience life in communion with the Most High.