This week, in a prayer of thanksgiving and requests, I hear a subtle reply from the Lord— "Let me give you less, and show you more."
For a season, I worked at a health and wellness "social club," a space supposedly built on community, connection, well-being, and support.
Yet I felt anything but: disconnected, undervalued, overworked, overwhelmed, underpaid, and unwell.
Fast forward nine months, and I begin working part-time at my church. Little did I know that with less pay and fewer hours, I would feel ten times fuller— richer in purpose, and having more than I have ever needed.
God shows us we don't need much to feel full. Serving our Park Blocks community, I have found a deep richness in connection. This is what real connection looks like— and it fills my cup more than any paycheck ever could.
This community brings me purpose and gives me life. I am gifted to know each person by name— to exchange a hug, a meal, a cup of coffee, a warm vest, or extra snacks for the night ahead.
I have found my purpose in Portland. I am rich in goodness simply by sharing God's love with them— and feeling it mirrored back to me.
This is where I was meant to be all along. We all belong here.
"Nothing is coincidence; I believe everything is placed in front of us for a reason." —DC, American Pilgrimage of the Camino, Portland Chapter
