Locations & Times

My mom’s friend, Winsome, loved hosting large, glamorous events in the Jamaican community. My mom and Winsome had lived in the same country town in Jamaica and reconnected in Florida after many years of living apart. Winsome was like an aunt to me. I always got so excited when she would ask me to help organize local events with her. It was a great excuse for me to get out of the house and have a good time. 

I soon realized that party planning wasn’t as easy as I had thought it would be. It involved many moving parts. I was responsible for attending menu tastings, scheduling talent, and creating seating charts. The work was never-ending. One day, Winsome asked me to seal two hundred invitations while she worked on the event schedule. I licked envelopes until my mouth was dry. 

“Darling, what are you doing?” she asked, in her high-pitched, thick Jamaican accent.

“I am sealing the envelopes like you have asked me to,” I responded.

“Oh, darling,” she exclaimed as she turned back and grabbed an item from her desk drawer. “Use this envelope sealer; it will help you get the job done faster and easier.”

Winsome was right; I breezed through sealing the rest of the 125 envelopes. She had been doing this so long, it was all second nature to her. I started to focus on how she did things efficiently, and some of her tricks I learned then, I still use today. Working alongside her and learning from her was a real blessing.

We have a similar opportunity as believers in Jesus—to walk with and learn from the Master Himself.

God desires to show us how to become more than conquerors in tough situations, how to love our neighbors, and how to live with purpose. We may think we can do life on our own, but what we really need is to learn alongside our Master and Savior. Many of us tend to see life’s problems as simple solutions with two possible results: good or bad. However, Jesus’s perspective is different. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not His ways. He is all-seeing, all-knowing, and perfect in all things at all times. Simply put, we need Jesus.

How do we learn from Jesus? God tells us to abide in Him (John 15:4). To abide in Jesus is similar to what my job with my aunt was like—staying with her, spending time with her, and learning from her. Winsome showed me how to work effectively and efficiently. God helps us grow to become more like Jesus in similar ways to fulfill our Kingdom purposes.

John 15:5 says, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Spending time with Jesus involves reading His Word, praying, and worshiping Him. Reading the Bible provides insight, wisdom, and encouragement about how Jesus faced different challenges and tasks, showing us how to apply what we learn by following Christ’s perfect example with the same grace and love He offers us. Communication with God is essential, which is why prayer is so important. Sometimes, our prayers may feel like we are overwhelming God with requests, but I encourage you to go deep and be honest and open with God. Share what’s truly on your heart; it’s a chance to build a stronger connection with Him and hear His voice.

As you spend time with Jesus, you'll start to think and act differently. You'll notice small shifts in your perspective and behavior. You might find yourself being a little slower to anger, more hopeful, or even kinder to those who are rude to you. As you abide in Jesus and He abides in you, you'll experience Him transforming you from the inside out. 

Are you ready to partner with the Son of God today? Jesus would love to show you the way!

Let’s stop sealing envelopes one by one and start using the tools God has given us. He desires each of us to share the invitation of hope with others intentionally and effectively so we can expand the Kingdom of Heaven, glorify Jesus, and prepare for the ultimate celebration ahead. 

If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.