a conversation.

my love. it is time for you to learn to love the people you don't like.

but Papa. don't you know i don't want to do that? haven't you been pushing me enough lately?

trust me.

but Papa. really. can't i have a break? can't i have a week of living my own way without having to worry about what's best for everyone around me and what will stretch and grow me?

i gave up my place in perfection to come reach out to people like you. i devoted my life entirely to furthering the kingdom of heaven. to pursuing the hearts of the people i so passionately love. i know what it's like to be tempted to follow one's own desires. i will give you strength. i will give you purpose.

i know. but to be brutally honest, sometimes i just want to focus on myself. why can't people reach out to me? why do i always have to be the one to reach out? the one to love? the one to pursue?

i am stretching you, my darling. i am preparing you for the future. i am asking you to look past yourself to my desires and purposes. i know what i'm doing.

i know, i know. but can't you stretch me a little...well...slower?

is that really what you desire?

well no...

do you trust me?

of course!

really?

yes.

then know that i am about to do a great work in you.

okay. i'm ready. but i'm going to need some help.

i know. i am here for you. i love you. i will equip you to do the things i am challenging you to do. you are not in this alone.

i'm ready.