permission to go for it

It’s been a year of waiting for permission.

To be let inside the store. To not wear masks. To go to a concert.

To come back to school. To return to the office. To travel again.

So today I’m giving you permission to go for it!

working with our local food bank in the early COVID-19 months

To live these summer months to the fullest.

To push through awkward conversations.

To take risks because your heart is stirring.

To not try and figure out how it will go or the exact words to say.

You have a gorgeous kitchen and fancy plates that need to be used.

You’ve told yourself once the house is clean and unpacked, you’ll have them over.

Your baby is now a year older. You’re sleeping better.

You told your neighbors when you’re all vaccinated you’ll have a BBQ.

Here’s your permission.

To use that outdoor space.

To just say to someone, “Hi, it’s been a while. We should have done this earlier, but we’d like to have you guys over. What’s a good night for you?”

Here’s your permission.

You’ve got a place out at the lake and people around you who need rest.

The complex rooftop area just needs to be reserved.

Here’s your permission.

You’re the new family at church and or in the neighborhood and you’ve been waiting for someone to invite you out.

Here’s your permission to be the welcome and not wait for the welcome.

You want to give the church a try that’s closer to home.

You’ve lost touch with the outside world and need to go on some fresh walks.

You want your house to be the house and need to let go of control and be okay with messy kids and messy conversation and messy words.

Here’s your permission.

Hasn’t this year of quarantine and loss taught us a few things?

1. Let’s not overcommit our summers, but let’s say come September that we loved well and took risks and made new friends.

2. Let’s involve our first neighbors, those who live in the same house.

3. Let’s share our stories and include our learnings, for when we are real we are reachable.

Let me tell you about mine!

• We’re hosting new friends in our airbnb cottage that hasn’t gotten much use in the pandemic.

• We’ve invited a young lady from the east coast to come and use our home as a refuge and vacation spot while we travel.

• We’re putting some gently-worn shoes, blankets, and coats in our van to give out as needed in our city.

• We’re keeping a cooler of water bottles in our van to give out as needed.

• We’re going to say hello more often and learn names as we get used to being around more people in our city.

• We’re inviting life-giving people over and celebrating Shabbat on Saturdays together.

You don’t need my permission, though. Christ has already given you His!

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been to Jesus. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 29:18-20

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What will you do this summer with tHis permission?

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