It's official.

All of the apprentices for the 2016 Spring CGA class are in Gainesville.

...and all of last week, we were welcomed into this new season...

What does that mean exactly?  It means that all of us lived in one building for several days without electronics, internet, and any other device that we may have used to escape. 

Why was that a good idea?

Well, because the Lord still speaks and sometimes we have to really make sure that we are listening for Him.

There were many things that He spoke to me during our times together, but the two that stuck out were:

Dance in the rain...and jump in the pool.  

He has a habit of asking me to do things that feel uncomfortable, crazy, and require a leap of faith (often involving water) and He usually doesn't give me an explanation until I obey. Fortunately, He explained a few things after I climbed out of the freezing pool, fully clothed.

What did the Lord say?

He wanted me to know that I am cleansed of insecurity.  That I am free to be me in all of my quirky, unique, rare goofiness.  As soon as He mentioned that, I felt it.  There's been a shift.  It's been a long time coming, but I came away from that conversation different than I was when I was dry and standing at the edge of the pool.  

I'm not sure where I lost myself on the way, but all I know is that a tiny bit of obedience gave me a huge sense of freedom that I wasn't expecting.  I'm back in a way that is fuller than I was before.

You know something?  Every time we obey the Lord and take a leap of faith, the kingdom advances on Earth.  So the next time you feel a prompting to do something unusual, my suggestion would be to accept the invitation.  You never know what revelation you'll receive...no matter how sopping wet you may be on the other side.