What if the pain I’m trying so hard to avoid is actually the pain I’m creating for myself? In trying to prepare for every possible future, I can end up living in fear of circumstances that haven’t even happened. But what if I don’t have to be perfectly prepared for tomorrow? What if I can trust the One who is already there—the Author and Perfecter of my faith, who turns suffering into perseverance, character, and hope?

It's been a while since you've heard from me — God's been calling me to slow down this summer. That meant friends, meals, and prayer walks in the forest preserve, interceding for one another night after night. It's become one of the biggest blessings of my life.

For years, parts of my life felt like barren, weed-choked ground. This is the story of watching a Gardener patiently work through seasons of rain, drought, and pruning — and finally seeing new buds appear. Wherever your own "garden" is right now, there's encouragement here for you.