Preparing my heart

It’s less than a month until I leave the skyscrapers of Joburg for the rolling green hills of KZN!

On 30 January I hop onto a plane and head to Durban, my final destination: Verulam. For the past 2 or so months I’ve been reflecting on 2023 — the joys, the challenges, and the growth. I will forever remember this 4-year chapter as one abundant in adventure, blessed with community, and overflowing with joy! So, as I step into the new story He has already authored, I step into it with confidence of His goodness and completely convinced of His love. Both my excitement and anticipation are growing as each day brings me closer to embarking on this new endeavour. I have just finished reading When Grace Showed Up by Tich and Joan Smith. They share the story of the founding of LIV. It is both exciting and humbling to gain a richer understanding of the vision and initiative I have the privilege of being a part of this year.

Recently I received an email from Shannon (who is leading the L4C program) asking me to choose one specific book to study on a topic I’d like to grow in (e.g., a book on prayer, or leadership etc.), as well as two epistles. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend 6 months focusing on my walk with Jesus, growing in knowledge, faith and service. But I am aware that these days mark a significant period of preparation—specifically a preparation of the heart. John Piper says, “The heart is what you are in the secrecy of your thought and feeling when nobody knows but God […] From the heart are the issues of life.”

Towards the end of last year, a good friend sent me a podcast by Andy Byrd called “Interior Vision”. Andy defines interior vision not only as the foundation of any exterior vision (an ambition; a calling; a mission), but also as the most important thing about believers. The essence of interior vision is to please God and to enjoy Him. In that case, it’s not so much about what we do as it is about who we are (and who we are becoming). But Andy also points out that we have to take responsibility to please God and enjoy Him—that this doesn’t just happen. It is cultivated by thousands of little decisions, like waking up an hour earlier to spend longer time studying His Word, or even saying ‘no’ to social events if it means saying ‘yes’ to more alone time with the Lord. Andy’s message came at a perfect time for me.

So, in these days leading up to the start of L4C, my priority is being intentional with prayer and quiet time.