broken bracelet

Relationships are a wonderful thing. Some come and go with the blink of an eye while others last a lifetime. They take work and commitment to stay afloat. Ending just as fast as it began.

There is one particular relationship that I have provides me with everything I need and more. I'm given plenty that I didn't know I needed. This relationship is with my Lord and Savor. My Father. Jesus. My relationship with Jesus is what keeps me sane. Without Him I would still be a lost and broken soul without a purpose. Like any relationship it takes work. My relationship with Jesus requires that I put 100% effort into I daily. Like anyone I struggle to do this but at the end of the day it is the most rewarding. No Earthly relationship compares to the one I have with Jesus. It takes commitment everyday to keep it strong and natural to my daily life. The more work I put into building my relationship daily the more natural it becomes. I don't focus on making good habits, which aren't entirely bad, I aim to make lifestyle changes. All this becomes possible as I build my relationship with Jesus. All He ask is that I believe in Him and put Him first in everything I do.

But life happens. New changes become memories and my old ways sneak back in. Out of nowhere I'm slapped in the face with reality. Feeling of depression, guild, shame and conviction creep back in. Weight of old chains begin to beat me down making me feel broken again. Worse of all the feeling of isolation while surrounded by those I love. The void in my soul craving to be filled but never satisfied.

Then like that, as fast as the loneliness hit, I'm struck with the solution to my 5 months of brokenness. My 2024 Encounter Bracelet, that hasn't come off my wrist except to clean, breaks while taking it off.

Jesus grabbed our attention in the most mysterious ways. Mine as having a sentimental bracelet break of all things. Seeing it lay there broken and neglected was Jesus waking me up. He was encouraging me to rekindle our relationship. The symbol reminding me to remain fully rooted is just that and is going to be replaced in July at Encounter 25. I was born again that day and many more coming.