I love it when/how God gives you what you need when you need it. A word, encouragement, understanding, support, a sense of normalcy, through a book, a podcast, a sermon, a song, a friend, or sometimes even a stranger. I’ve even heard God speak to me through a tv show once. I think God is always trying to speak to us, to lavish love on us, but often we are not listening or paying attention. I am practicing listening, practicing paying attention, being aware, because I don’t want to miss out on any of the ways God wants to speak to me. I believe God wants to lavish love on each of us in ways that are meaningful and tangible to us. And I am so thankful for that!!!
I have a book obsession. I love books. And purchase them often but don’t usually read them immediately but when I feel prompted to read one it is so fun to me how it is exactly what I need to hear. Like yesterday I started reading The Honest Enneagram by Sarajane Case, which I purchased back in the summer after listening to Annie F. Down That Sounds Fun podcast EnneaSummer2020. The book has been sitting on my nightstand for months. When I read the Introduction yesterday it was just the encouragement I needed this week.

“The thing that has impacted my life for the better in every single way is my ability to admit to myself and others that I am sometimes the worst.

I don’t mean that I shame myself or live in guilt. I mean that I stare at my worst traits, and hold them lightly. I own that I bring things to the table that aren’t always helpful, and I let that impact the way I move through the world.

That awareness brings me the clarity I need to know how to grow my business, create healthy relationships, take care of my body and heart, and create a place of inspiration.

Knowing where I fall short allows me to create a support plan. It allows others to feel comfortable and safe in my presence. It actually helps me do less harm to people who enter my path. However, the only reason that this works is because I started with a deep well of self-love. I learned to love myself no matter what. I learned that unconditional acceptance of who I am comes from the ability to celebrate my strengths and accept my weakness. This process has changed everything for me.

We are all worthy of full self-acceptance, and I believe that full-acceptance starts with being honest. It’s not honest to pretend we don’t have flaws. It’s also not honest to pretend we don’t have strengths. True, honest, deep self-love requires our ability to hold both.

My dear, you are worthy of it all – full, deep, rich self-acceptance for exactly who you are. No excuses and no apologies.” – Sarajane Case The Honest Enneagram pages 16-17

Keep seeking and discovering friend! Practice paying attention, listening, being aware of all the ways God is lavishing love on you!