“. . . the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls.” 2 Corinthians 5:17b NIV My husband had passed away just 3 months earlier. The chaos and drama that usually follows had finally settled: the house was unusually quiet while my spirit remained stirred. I’d spent quite a bit of time in reflective prayer, unsure of what even to ask of God, but knowing He was somehow divinely connected to my unsettledness. Where were these random thoughts of writing coming from? Besides, what would I even say? Moreover, would anyone care enough to listen? It didn’t take long to receive confirmation. The instruction was just that, leaving no room for doubt or misunderstanding: I’m invited to write. Being as transparent as possible, I’m living proof God can use anybody to do His Kingdom work. You and I don’t have to wait until we feel equipped or we’ve got our act together in order to respond to God’s call. We simply need to be willing to take the first step. Here I am, starting year three, not necessarily an “accomplished” writer, but definitely a writer who has learned far more than she could ever put in print, ever share with others . . . a writer who realizes all God wants is her humble, amendable heart: He’ll step in and do the rest. Several heavenly pearls have dropped in my lap throughout this newfound journey: It’s God’s story; I’m not the main character. I’m simply invited to play a role in His story. Feelings are fickle; they come and go. Don’t trust them. Faith is only faith when action follows. Yet, it’s faith that empowers and perseveres. God calls me to “bigger-than-Kim” tasks so I get out of the way and He can say and do what He needs to say and do through me. This way, He gets full credit and all the glory. I cannot share what I don’t possess. My spiritual authenticity grows the quieter I’d become and the closer I draw near to God’s heart. I will never do life perfectly. I make mistakes but my response to my mistakes reflects my level of humility before God and others. When you and I allow God to step in and take over the reins of our life, He opens our eyes to both His presence and power working in, through, and around us. We realize we are walking along each day stepping on Pebbles of Grace with each stride. Only God can take it all, both the good and bad of one’s life, and interweave it into a beautiful tapestry, a tapestry of divine value, meaning, and purpose. May this collection of heavenly pearls drench your soul with a fresh awareness of just how passionately God loves you, how relentlessly He pursues you, and how through the acceptance of His son, Jesus Christ, how He affectionately offers you Pebbles of Grace.