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Anita's avatar

So beautifully written Young Grace. You are young to realize the beauty of slow walks, all the best on your journey! I will enjoy reading about it .

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

Such a kind comment, Anita! Thank you so much for your encouragement.

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J.E. Bartel's avatar

Wow, I just thanked God that you wrote this because I needed it right now. I've been caught up lately in some needs and hopes in my life that feel very unmet and I'm so heartened by the reminder that the essentials are intangible and abundant.

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

I’m so very glad this piece could meet you where you’re at and provide some encouragement. I recently came across a quote from a Wendell Berry poem that also has continued to encourage me in this topic: “We live the given life, not the planned." May you find beauty and grace in your given life!

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G. Eric Britt's avatar

Amen! The long, slow, perplexing and oftentimes painful journey to wholeness as Jesus uses the circumstances of our lives to form us into his image. Thank you so much for sharing some of your story.

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

And amen back to you! Appreciate you reading and sharing in the camaraderie of following Christ.

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Paige Wiley's avatar

Grace, I think we would have been in the same program this year (if I'm in the program you're referring to) but I'm so grateful to connect and read your words here. They are challenging and spiritually enriching; so good for my heart and mind as I'm managing this spiritual journey, too. Thanks for your written words!

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

Wow Paige, thanks for your comment! I was planning on enrolling in the Friends University program. I hope you enjoy your studies and the journey they take you on!

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Paige Wiley's avatar

That's the one! Ah man I'm sad we won't get to connect there this time, but so grateful to connect through your writing :) Thanks for sharing your heart.

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Brenda Seefeldt's avatar

This is why we need people in our lives. People can tell us these things. Without them we are left to our own hustle which we define. Yikes.

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

Totally agree. So grateful for wise, trusted people in my life who help me see things I can’t easily see myself, or choose to ignore.

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Jason's avatar

Wisdom

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Evie's avatar

Thank you for sharing this!

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

Thanks for reading!

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Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

Thank you for this moving piece. I really wish you weren't right about suffering being such an essential part of our spiritual formation, but it absolutely is!

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

Thank you for reading and your comment, Sarah! These are the lessons about life I never anticipated learning and sharing, but here we are. Cheers to the process!

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Drew Brown's avatar

Oh Grace! I am so grateful you are on here and sharing these words :) I am so grateful for you!

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

Appreciate your support, Drew.

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Gigi's avatar

Thank you for writing this! I relate so deeply-from the doors I had to let close and how those big moments have yet to come to pass in my life. Thank you.

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Grace Leuenberger's avatar

It’s comforting to know others can relate to these sentiments! Glad you’re finding clarity and encouragement as you open and close doors of your own.

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