Unexpected Gift #FortheLove

I don’t think anyone would accuse me of being “too easy going” (wink wink). You may have noticed in my writing (or not), that I am a deep feeler and quite passionate about many issues.

Truthfully, much of my life I have worked to become a person who is able to adjust when things come up and change plans when needed. This has never been easy me, but I come by those traits honestly. I grew up in a loving, dysfunctional and chaotic family and so my ability to think ahead, be responsible and get things done have allowed me to overcome many obstacles in my life. 

But here’s the deal, those parts of me that want to plan ahead, fix, and control usually assume the worst about most situations. At times I fail to see the possibilities and gifts right in front of me. 

This happened to me recently. I saw on Jen Hatmaker’s facebook page that she was looking for members for her book launch team. I decided to apply, but honestly, I figured “no way.” I filled out the application quickly, hoping I would be picked but mostly skeptical. 

Nearly a week later, I received an email from Jen and her team that said this: 

Knock, knock. Who’s there? YOU, because YOU are on my Launch Team for ‘For the Love‘!! Yeah baby!! We only had room for 10% of all applicants (what the??), and we think you got the stuff. THANK YOU for your amazing enthusiasm; I couldn’t possibly love you more if I tried with all my might. You are leading well and using your influence like a boss. We all think you are amazing. We are going to get this thing off the ground together! Let me tell you, launching a book is really fun. And some of you are going to end up on the inside cover, so THAT. I said on January 1st this year that one goal was to spend less time pleasing “Not My People” … well let’s be clear: YOU ARE MY PEOPLE. I love you so. I really do. I am loyally yours forever. Let’s do this thing.

My marketing team will now tell you all the fun details.

– Jen

Um, what?

You think I “got the stuff?” 

Here’s what I appreciate about this, God is always challenging what I think I know. And, it’s good for me. Yes, Aundi, sometimes things do turn out well. 

It’s interesting that even when I rationally know that He is good, part of my soul still struggles for me to think that it is true. And yet, these are the gifts He gives because He is good. 

This book launch has been a blessing for me already, partly because the book is hilariously funny, endearing and helpful (more on that later), but also because of the opportunity to meet the 499 other people who are part of the launch. Jen and her team set up a facebook group for the launch team, and it literally makes me feel like I am at a summer camp/spiritual retreat/group therapy all wrapped into one; they are refreshing, funny and supportive. 

So that part is pretty great.

I’ve observed that the dynamic of the group in general seems to be a humble confidence…and you know what? I love that. I think that is how God hopes for us to approach the good gifts He gives. That we would be humbly confident that He longs to give those good gifts to us and love on us. 

It may not be a book launch for you, but what is it?

What possibilities are you assuming the worst about, but if you risk the hope, it may just be worth it? 

 

I’ve linked up this week over at: Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God, Simplified Life, Redemption Diaries, 3D Lessons for Life , Purposeful Faith, Suzanne Eller and Holly Gerth.