There’s always something I take home with me from visiting my in-laws in Mississippi.

This time around, God showed me the beauty of simplicity.

In the small town of Indianola, it feels as if the world is moving at a third of the speed of elsewhere.

With a clear blue sky as high as eyes can see, uninhibited by man-made towers, my soul feels free to expand in a seemingly infinite space and lets out a sigh.

Without ever a need to feel rushed, I find myself taking the time to go on walks.

Walking with no destination in mind.

I reach into my pocket and play a worship song on low volume— quiet enough to hear the melody and the sound of my shoes pressing against the Mississippi mud.

And I wonder… if this is the kind of tranquility Jesus fought for when he was here.

Unlike many of us these days who run toward a myriad of responsibilities to stay busy or seek approvals of others, Jesus regularly withdrew to solely be in communion with God.

In pursuing a simpler life and solitude, Jesus taught an important lesson for us all.

The less noise and distractions we tune into, the simpler our lives become.

In simplicity, we find peace.

Within peace lies the room to crave, seek, and engage with our Father.

When God becomes the reward we seek in life, He fills us with love and all we need— the grace that is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

My Encouragement for You

As we head into 2024, I invite you, my beloved, to join me in leading a simple life and creating room to wander with the Father.

Whilst the world rages on with increasing speed, our response shall be like that of Christ— to do less and withdraw to be at the feet of the great I AM.

For future reminders of today’s letter, I will leave you with a verse and a song.

“‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’” (John 15:1-2)

With love,
Jae

“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:3-5)

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