Small Group Sendoff

so so grateful for this evening with a sendoff for Taylor from our small group....

I love what Kelly brought for Taylor: 

She took the idea of the bookmark that my friend Laura made that said "You are beautiful, beloved, and enough- just as you are" and changed it to say "You are needed, beloved, and enough- just as you are." She went on to say that he is the only brother Anna has and is needed in that role, the only roommate his 2 UCSC roommates will have, our only son, etc... I loved how she flipped it around and helped him hear how he is needed. And Taylor told me later how much he appreciated this too... 

graduation surprise from Bill (with a Chloe surprise) 

https://youtube.com/shorts/4bMijO9jcDU?feature=share

Taylor will move out this week and will bring bags to Santa Cruz filled with clothes and bedding and school supplies. But God, you see what he brings in his heart: anticipation, adventure, love, regret, anxiety, motivation, and hope. He is a mix of excited, ready, scared, and wide-eyed freedom. As he looks for a fresh start, remind him of your faithfulness every morning, no matter where he finds himself. As he looks for community, remind him you are always with him, no matter where he goes. As he looks for adventure, remind him how you walk on water, turn water to wine, feed thousands from just a few pieces of bread. Remind him how you bring life straight up out of death; beauty straight out of ashes.

May Taylor be open to the greatest adventures found in your presence and the greatest love that comes from your heart. When insecurity, comparison, disappointment, and failure knock on his door, may he begin to understand this is part of growing up. He is not doing it wrong. He is just human. May he be quick to listen, open to apology, and swift to forgive. Weave wisdom into the fibers of his soul, burying the fruit of patience, self-control, confidence, clarity, contentment, and a light heart.

May he not despise his humanity, rather may he embrace it.  May he not despise his weakness, rather may he see how weakness brings a daily reminder to trust. May he not fear failure, rather may he thrive in the midst of it. May he not be quick to judge, rather may he be patient and curious.

Help him to find true friends and to be a true friend in return. Help him to find his voice and to use it to be an advocate for himself and for others. Help him to see with eyes filled with compassion, equity, justice, and love. Replace his shame with courage. Replace his confusion with peace. Replace his fear with a love that moves within him and around him beyond his ability to understand. May your grace surprise him kindly along their way. Amen.

-adapted from Emily P. Freeman