Launching Forward

I dropped Asher off for his first day of school this week. What a fun moment! I am so excited for him growing up. He's loving his new friends, the unknown toys, the books with pictures he's never seen before, new playground, and of course the school garden (he's never even heard of gardening before -- not really Hils' or my thing).

A few weeks ago, the Lord gave me a picture of where we are at as a church family--at the top of a water slide. He was encouraging me that all the work we've put in (climbing the flights of steps to the top) are going to have a readout. There's a wild, fun ride ahead of us that's full of refreshment and excitement.

The verse in my mind is:

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm then... Eph. 6:13-14

I like how it repeats the phrase, "Stand firm." After you've done everything in preparation to stand firm, don't forget to actually stand firm! Sometimes I get confused and think that prepping for battle is the whole point. But that would mean all work and no victory!

I feel like He's encouraging me (and us) not to get tired or discouraged. The reward for our hard work is just ahead of us. Now is not the time to sit down in exhaustion. It's a time to sit down and lean forward. The ride is going to be great!