April 5, 2019

Earlier this year, as I began to embrace this journey of TGIF, I did not consider 52 weeks of blog posts, I considered 1 week. While I will continue to answer the questions below on Instagram every week, I will likely be posting here every other week.

As a reminder, here are the questions:

❶ What am I TRUSTING?
❷ For whom or what am I GRATEFUL?
❸ What is INSPIRING me?
❹ How am I practicing FAITH?

Here’s TGIF, Week 13 & 14…

Trust

❶ What am I TRUSTING?
Last week, I asked you to forgive me for pointing to something inconsequential…but a heck of a lot of fun. Trusting the BIG 10 to show up in the final four! This week, one of my Michigan teams will do just that. As I cheer on the Michigan State Spartans, I’m also trusting that my baseball teams (Reds and the Tigers) will find their way to win a few more games.

Why all this talk about sports? So much of sports is a metaphor for me. The endurance, the talent, the opportunity to engage in something you love. But, for college athletics, for me, it’s about the learning.

Some of the college athletes, students playing in the pep band, the dance team and cheerleaders will never have an opportunity to play for a professional sports team. But, they’ve learned the impact teamwork, hard work and dedication bring. And you don’t have to make it to the Final Four to embrace that lesson.

So let me ask you a different question: What is it that requires teamwork, hard work and dedication right now? I’m cheering you on as you continue to journey forward and trust you’re making it happen.

Gratitude

❷ For whom or what am I GRATEFUL?

Last week, I noted that I was grateful for the opportunities I had this week to lead, coach and learn. That theme continued into this week. Leadership, coaching, and learning came crashing together in beautiful ways this week. From coaching conversations to my own reflection, I am grateful for the multitude of gifts that are present in the church.

For the people who are stepping up and stepping out to ask the hard questions, wrestling with new ideas and emerging ministry opportunities, I am grateful.

Inspiration

❸ What is INSPIRING me?
How about who is inspiring me? College students.

I’ll answer the same question this week, “who is inspiring me?” A pastor, preacher, and published author. Thank you, Rachel Billups, for sharing God’s story. Rachel’s wise and poignant words are fierce. Her words also reflect the heart of a Jesus follower changed by God’s story. Thank you, friend, for sharing your story with the world.

Preorder it today so it’s in your mailbox on release day. Yes, that’s a shameless plug!

Faith

❹ How am I practicing FAITH?
Galatians…prayer and Bible Study are starting April 22. I’d love for you to join us as we make our way through the Easter season and the ENTIRE book of Galatians. Sign-up at TransformingMission.org/Bible.