Led Somewhere Else
What if the detours are where real wisdom is waiting?
Love,
A friend’s mom gave us this adorable whale pencil case, and it feels so perfect for living by the ocean. It also brings Jonah to mind. That story has been coming up a lot for me lately, and it feels like God keeps highlighting it to me.
During my quiet time today, I accidentally turned to 1 Corinthians chapter 2 instead of Colossians 2, which I had meant to read since I just started studying Colossians yesterday. But I love how God works, because I don’t think it was really an accident. It’s a short chapter, but so powerful. And it also felt really timely, like exactly what I needed right now.
I did a bit of research on the city of Corinth. It was a major hub for trade and culture but also had a reputation for corruption and idolatry. People there loved eloquent speeches and philosophical debates, which makes Paul’s approach stand out even more. Instead of trying to impress them with polished words or clever arguments, he relied completely on the Spirit’s power, so their faith would be rooted in God and not in human persuasion.
He was able to address their pride by showing that God uses what seems weak or foolish to humble the so-called wise. Because as we both know, real wisdom isn’t in endless speculation but in the message of the cross. And true understanding only comes through words the Spirit inspires. I was also encouraged by the reminder that our weakness becomes the stage for the Spirit to show His strength.
This morning the song “I Say a Little Prayer for You” popped into my head, and it instantly made me think of the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding. I’m not totally sure why, and honestly I don’t fully know what’s going on or how everything will unfold. I just felt led to share it out of obedience, and I hope it connects with you somehow or speaks to you in a way that makes sense.
When I was on the phone confirming my upcoming test, the hold music made me think of the song “Deliver Us” from The Prince of Egypt. It also got me reflecting on my birthing experiences with both of the boys and how grateful I am that Betty was there to support me each time. Her decades of midwifery wisdom brought such peace and reassurance throughout the whole process. I had to laugh remembering how our second came just twenty minutes after she arrived. I was getting nervous and felt such relief seeing her walk in the room, especially since he was born with the caul and the cord around his neck. Without missing a beat, she tore the sac from his face so he could breathe and slipped the cord free. I can’t help but feel so blessed that God placed her in those moments with us.
Every day I’m more convinced that our youngest is a little genius. Both of our boys are, but his communication skills are just on another level. He’s not even two yet and already speaking in full sentences! Right now he’s a bit under the weather, so we’re dealing with endless snot bubbles, and it feels like there’s a constant stream running from his nose. And I’m on hyper snot-cleanup duty, trying to keep it from covering his face and everything around him. I’m also really thankful he’s still breastfeeding, because I know it’s giving his immune system an extra boost while he fights this off.
Oh, and that reminds me — God has been highlighting bubbles to me in all kinds of different ways lately (regular soap bubbles, snot bubbles, and the Bubble app builder which I’ve used before to design and build ideas). I’m not totally sure what it all means, but I felt led to share it. Please take it to the Lord and see if He shows you anything.
We went for a walk with my mom today and ended up having such a good conversation. She told me how when I reached out to my sister over five years ago, my family started what they called “Operation Save Peaches” to try to rescue me. Later they got an email saying I was fine and just being hormonal or something like that, so they stopped.
But after my mom found out I was pregnant, she began writing letters to her first grandchild, telling him how much she loved him. She wrote one every Sunday for nearly a year, not knowing if she’d ever get the chance to meet him. I got emotional when she showed it to me. He absolutely adores his Nana, and I know those letters will mean the world to him when he’s older.
I’ve been keeping you in my heart and praying you feel moments of strength and comfort in this season. And praying that the Lord guards your mind and fills you with His peace and love, reminding you that you have the mind of Christ and nothing to fear!
With love, Jeanie
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6