Formation Guide
Much of what I’m talking of in this formation guide has been a fairly new process for me. I’ve practiced them for the past year or so and they’ve been some of the most life-giving things I’ve done in my whole life (while true, keep in mind I’m still in my early twenties). Being able to look at my days as an opportunity for God to mold me in the simple and mundane avenues of life, sit in His presence for the purpose of simply being with Him, all through the lens of His word has been life giving in every sense of the word. But, not without it’s struggles.
My mind would drift away to think of the day that lays before me (since I typically do this in the morning), how the Mavs have been doing and how Luka needs more help (just me?), or how nice more sleep would be. It’s not easy all the time, it doesn’t always feel good. But anytime we slip away in our thoughts and prayers God I want you to remember this, “if your mind gets distracted one hundred times in ten minutes of prayer, it’s one hundred times to come back to Jesus “Isn't that beautiful? That our humanity doesn’t steer Jesus away from us, it's exactly what makes Him draw near to you and I.
My capacity to forgive grew, my eagerness to serve was heightened, and the weight of life didn’t feel like such a heavy burden, it felt like I was carrying along a yoke that was easy and made just for my soul (Matt 11:28-30). I always wondered what it would feel like to live a life of joy in all circumstances, because honestly this year has been pretty hard for me and if I had stayed on the path I was on, I don’t know where the state of my soul would be today. But the beauty of it all is that I’m not special. I’m an ordinary guy who’s just trying to follow the way of Jesus the best that I can.
I promise that everything I’ve written is something you can start implementing in your life today. Not because you’re smarter than others, more organized, or even more capable. You’ll be able to do it and see fruit because the Spirit of God will enable you to do all that leads towards the flourishing of your soul. Here’s some last practical tips before you begin on this journey.