Chelsea Finds Jesus

Life outside the garden means that I am living each day in a broken world. We’re not in Eden anymore… But I am a child of God, and that means I have victories through Him. It means that there will be good and bad, and that I will experience both until the day He takes me home. I am proof that victory and freedom are for today, not relegated to life after death.

Life outside the garden looks like this:

Inspired conversation with my husband about what “divinely inspired” actually means. Connecting with him in an intimate conversation standing in the bathroom, but then arguing about something ridiculous 10 minutes later.

Being the hands and feet of Jesus. Filling bird feeders for my grandmother’s friend who can’t reach them outside her home, but also judging her family (who I don’t even know) for not taking better care of her.

Praying for someone who is struggling with the same things I struggle with. Speaking out loud the truth that I know in my heart about the Father’s love for someone who is struggling, offering good practical advice, while knowing that I haven’t yet accepted the same truth for myself, and that I don’t always take my own advice.

Loving my children well. Proclaiming on social media about the wonders that my children are, authentically feeling pride in their growth, happiness, accomplishments…. But also losing my tempter at their attitudes, questioning their intelligence, and genuinely being confounded my toddler’s violent streak.

Having an opportunity to minister to other people in my church. Seeing freedom for another person, seeing changes in their perceptions and reactions, then feeling guilty for asking family to babysit so I can have the opportunity.

Walking the tightrope of caring for sick people. Is my job to give medicine, give hope, or give them a chance to share their story with me? Replaying each encounter later, looking for the moments that I had the chance to make a difference, for the chances I took to help someone suffering.

Spending a day going to church, hanging with my small group, making dinner and taking care of our dogs…. Then finding my toddler has poured an entire bottle of nail polish all over my bed, my floor, my bra, and himself at bedtime.

Life outside the garden is messy. Following Christ is messy, but beautiful. My job is to find the beauty in the mess, the wildflowers among the thorns. I have to plant myself in the place of gratitude, and let God grow me here. Freedom, joy, and purpose are all available to me, today, now, here through Jesus. It may not be Eden, but a fulfilled life is waiting for right here on Earth.