“Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5
If we were able to sit together for a coffee, you’d learn pretty quickly that I’m a bit of a coffee fanatic. After spending some time in regions of the world where coffee is freshly grown and roasted, I’d say it spoiled me a little. While I would hope we’d be in a cozy cafe with tufted couches and Andy Grammar playing in the background, even if we weren’t, I know our conversation would be the same. I would rather freely share things I’m most passionate about and soon you would find that my favorite conversation is one that dives into what you’re most passionate about too.
You see, for years I was stuck surviving, enduring the thick of a broken family dynamic. I was swept away, rightly so, into the winds of making ends meet, rinse, cycle, repeat. If I wasn’t stopped, I think it’s safe to say that I’d still be tumbling in that cycle today. College was the first time someone asked me what I wanted to do, a few someones actually, which opened up the door for me to dream. One dream turned into a course of study, one course of study turned into an international study abroad, one study abroad turned into a commitment to serve for four years, which then turned into the birth of a purpose, a dream, and a calling that in my wildest daydreams I could not have dreamt up. My purpose started with someone giving me the space to dream, the space to put into words what I felt churning in my heart, and was followed by a series of stepping stones.
What I came to quickly learn was that when this purpose is spoken, when it starts to take form and come to life, I can picture it coming to life like a carwash balloon, one that fills with air from the bottom up and with its flapping arms invites people into the joyous, infectious wholeness. However, what I also learned, while continuing with this metaphor, is that that inflated, life-filled balloon needs to learn how to brace in the winds, brace in the heat, and brace in the changing climate and those who encounter it.
If I’m honest with you, I am past the season of questioning my purpose, but rather at the point where I’m learning how to stand firm, stand focused, and stand with my gaze set in the midst of very strong winds. The other day I felt an invitation from the Holy Spirit to hope and to stand in wonder and awe at what could be, just like when the purpose was first breathed. Without going into our current circumstances too much, hope feels a little irresponsible, a little comical, and not natural. It was then that I found Romans 5:5, “Hope does NOT put us to shame.”
If we were sitting for coffee today, I’d ask you to tell me what you would do if you could do anything. If it’s a bakery, I’d encourage you to make a logo. If it’s to write a book, I’d encourage you to dream of the front cover and give it a title. Our purpose is likely in different phases but, whatever it is, take the time to hope, dream, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you, so that, like the carwash balloon with waving arms, we can move towards the fullness and welcome others as we go.
Kayty Helgerson is the owner of Gather Intentional Living and Everyday Hospitality. She is most known as a Hospitality Educator, recipe developer, charcuterie aficionado, and believer that relationships start and grow at the table! She is married to her college sweetheart, with who she spent 4 years serving in Chiang Mai Thailand in the area of anti-trafficking and child exploitation. Kayty identifies heavily with her Italians roots, loves warm weather, good coffee, and is happiest surrounded by flowers. She is passionate about growing friendships in adulthood, learning how to live intentionally, and is excited to invite you into all of this as she learns along the way! Connect with Kayty at www.gatherintentionalliving.com
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