My SIL says

“Lean into the Holy Spirit,” she says, over coffee,
My sister-in-law of the flawless style.

She’s the kind of woman who says things and you want to listen–
Because of what? Compassion? Wisdom? A will to hard-love, if necessary?

Yes, yes to these and more.
Because she buys me gluten-free baked goods sometimes, too.

“What is God saying to you in all of this?” she asks when things get confusing and rough,
And I think, “I don’t know, I guess I must listen deeper.”

“God would not punish us or trap us,” she says when I have more questions than answers, “He is not like that.”
And my eyes fill with tears over the truths I have forgotten.

“You know what to do. You know how to listen to the Holy Spirit,” she says when I need more Joan of Arc in my heart, “So…do it.”
This. This always pushes me to action. Maybe, just maybe, I do know how to listen.

“What would look different,” she once asked, “if we responded to the Holy Spirit instead of being restrained by our fears?”
God help me, I don’t know.

But, I’m willing to try. I’m willing to dream. I’m willing to live.

And you, then. What? What would look different if you responded to the Holy Spirit instead of being restrained by your fears?

I have a sneaking suspicion that the world would have more sunflowers. And more babies. And maybe more place settings around Thanksgiving tables.

But, I’m not looking at the world. I’m looking at myself.

So maybe I’ll just go and buy some sunflower seeds (her favorite flower) and respond in love and courage where I can, where I am, where I stand.

Hey, world, I’m not afraid to love you again tomorrow, even though today was long and stretching. God be with me, I will for more.