Chelsea Finds Jesus

Listen, I’m not sure what happened to May and June, but happy Independence Day, y’all. I live in Central Texas, which can be found directly Northwest of Holy Hell, and Southeast of Satan’s Sauna. It’s freaking hot, people.

Tomorrow begins the traditional festivities of the 4th of July in the Highland Lakes, where people show up en masse to our lakes and H-E-Bs and we try not to run over people in the parking lots or start Roman candle fight-related grassfires during droughts. Honestly, between working several in the last two decades and trying to make memories for the kids when my handsome husband had to work the other years we have been married…. I am not really a fan of the holiday anymore. It’s too much damn work alone with four kids. I would happily hide out at home and skip the whole hoopla. Which, I suppose, is what I had subconsciously expected for this year too. Ha!

A few weeks ago, my dear friend, the Happy Hermit, asked me if we would like to join their family for a BBQ on the 4th. I thought it was just us and them, y’all. Right up until today, when I asked if we could bring an extra teenager with us without causing an issue with food….

So much for low-key. My Happy Hermit friend has surprised me again. I worry about her sometimes, probably because I project my own struggles on her situation (namely the mental anguish I suffer when I am alone with my kids for extended periods of time), but the casual way she is executing an event like this is impressive. And did I mention she is pregnant with her 4th child?

You know what I feel when I think of my friend tonight? Inspired. Blessed. Love.

You know what I don’t feel when I think of my friend tonight? Comparison. Envy. Inadequacy. Resentment.

When did that change in me? When did I stop seeing the women in my life as markers of my failures, as quiet rivals or potential risks? Today I am free to enjoy fellowship with my small community of fellow believers. I am free from the chains of comparison that prevented me from forming real friendships.

Thank You, Father God, for surrounding me with women who encourage and inspire me, who seek You and share Your love with each other. Thank You for the blessing of my small group and especially the women who I feel safe to be myself with, who I can be honest with and who I can trust. Bless each of them with wisdom and peace, and bring them the desires of their hearts. Amen.

“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”‬‬

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ ‭NASB1995