God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.

-2 Corinthians 9:8

I’m going to start this out with a humble brag, but I promise it’s in service of a story & a larger point.

When I was in graduate school, I was doing two programs at once: a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance. The MFA was supposed to be full time in January & June and only part time during fall and spring semesters, perfectly bookending the MDiv program which was full time in fall & spring but with January & June off. I gravely misunderstood what “part-time” meant for the MFA. I had also set myself up for working multiple jobs, equalling about ¾ time.

Partway through my first year, I sat down in my spiritual director’s office, completely worn out, fraying at the edges. I said, “I feel like I’m not doing enough.”

She smiled kindly, tilted her head slightly, and then had me share all the things that I just listed for you.

Again, smiling, the kind Reverend said, “I think your expectations for yourself about what is ‘enough’ are beyond human capacity.”

She was right. She encouraged me to extend myself the kind of grace that God would extend me. Then, thankfully, with the Rev’s help, I was able to scale back and find some breathing room.

Ever since then, I pay particular attention to this idea of “enough.” What does it really mean to do enough, to have enough, to be enough?

I've come to understand that God's version of enough is very different than ours. Because, truthfully, my friends, God already called us “Beloved.”

There is nothing more we need to do, or have, or be that could earn us a higher place in our Creator’s heart. God loves you. God loves you when you are working. God loves you when you are resting. God loves you when you are face-down in the dirt and maneuer of life.

This is particularly important this time of year, when we find ourselves setting goals for the year ahead. Goals are great, and from last week's devo you know I love setting intentions. Just be sure, in the midst of all of that, you know deep in your heart that you are already good, holy, and beloved. Just as you are.

In love,
Pastor Kelsey