The Struggle Bus

Right now. I’m struggling with staying awake. My brain was overthinking as I went to bed last night, so it took a while to fall asleep. Then, today at church, I had…NINETEEN kiddos back in Kids’ Crew. I was zonked. Afterwards, a small group of us journeyed out to Hanover College to enjoy their special holiday brunch for St. Patrick’s Day….so I ate too much (I mean, it was $17, so I told myself to eat for the day – LOL). So now, the only thing keeping me awake is….the fact that I’m doing laundry and listening to the sermon I missed while I was back with kids.

Pastor Brynen asked us, “How do you know Jesus loves you?”

I immediately start singing “Jesus Loves Me” in my head – just call me Jodi Jukebox!

But…do I stop and think and mediate on the truth that Jesus LOVES ME! Me. Ms. Jodi. Ms. Pflaumer. Me.

So many times…we…well… I get so wrapped up in serving Christ, doing for Christ, and being what my church & my friends expect me to be. So busy… that I can neglect taking the time to truly experience the love and presence of the One who died for me.

As I listened to the sermon I missed (I mean, teaching kids brings me a lot of joy!), I realized that I need to spend more time BEING with Christ than merely serving Him. Not that serving Christ is wrong, but…we can’t serve Him and neglect being with Him. Experiencing the love and peace that only comes from spending time with Him is foundational in our relationship with the One who died for us.

So, if you’re struggling with this like I am, then I challenge you to do what I’ve been challenged to do. BE with Jesus. Experience His love and presence. Jesus Loves YOU! Find a peace that surpasses understanding by being with Him…not just on Sunday mornings…but every moment of every single day.

Live in the freedom we have in Christ. Move from understanding that Jesus loves you to experiencing His love. Rest in His presence. Rest in His love.