California will forever have my heart.

The state I moved to on a whim, the state I’ve experienced Jesus like never before. Through the ups and downs, mistakes and “aha moments,” I couldn’t be more thankful, seven years later.

But woof, what a seven years it has been.

Why does it still feel like the other shoe is going to drop? I’m finally not comparing myself to anyone and everyone around me, thinking I’m behind in life or wishing I looked like someone else. I finally feel settled deep down in my soul, but life has been anything but settled.

There are new holes that cannot be filled and things missing that weren’t missing before.

I’ve barely been home the last few months to even enjoy living in California, but goodness, the Lord knows us so well and he always gives us rest where we need it.

I’ve been learning in real time that if we wait until our circumstances calm down to find peace and rest, we will be searching for the rest of our lives. That is the gift of knowing Jesus — no matter what you’re going through, whatever the storm may be, He is the constant.

He knows how choppy the water will be.

He knows the path ahead.

He is our safe place.

He is the peace we are searching for.

I write this as an encouragement to someone else who has just been going through it too. I think it’s easy to live with the worry that the other shoe will drop, and that it’s just a matter of time until something else hard happens.

But reality is — we never know when we’ll get that call.

And we can’t live in fear of it.

We have to live each day trusting that the Lord is with us, and all we can do is live life 24 hours at a time. I really think it’s a challenge of our day and age to be present. We miss out on SO much when we aren’t present and I really want to work on that more. Maybe you do too.

I want to remind someone that Jesus gives pockets of rest, even if the season continues to stay busy. Make time for that rest. Carve it out. It’s crucial for our existence. No matter what we are going through, He is the peace in the storm.

He will never leave us.

He will supply every need.

He will comfort us.

And we are promised that for now and eternity!! AND THANK THE LAWD FOR THAT, AMIRIGHT?? 💖

#EverydaywithElsa