A Closer Walk

I absolutely LOVE birthdays! So yeah, I'm 24 years old today.. but it still feels magical. We've been celebrating for awhile, that's how we do it in the Pearl house. Bubbles, berry pie, paddle boarding excursions, friends over for cheeseburgers, homemade lemonade, bonfires on the beach. Owen picks me flowers and weeds, Derek brought home a ballerina orchid! Even though I couldn't decide what I wanted for my birthday this year, it's safe to say I've been spoiled.

And then it came to me in the middle of the night, 'Just a closer walk with You..' That's what I truly want for my birthday, for this new year, for life! A walk with Jesus that keeps getting better and better. Our pastor talked about Matthew 11:28-30 yesterday. Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." 
And he shared about that yoke and how they would pair an inexperienced ox next to an experienced one, so the younger one could learn the ropes of field plowing. And Jesus isn't saying, 'put this heavy load on and I'll be behind you with the reins', He is calling us to be yoked with Him.. that we would walk alongside Him and learn from Him how to do life! 'Just a closer walk with You..' 
The closer I walk to Jesus, the more each day will become a gift in itself. As I take His yoke upon me, the more freedom I will experience. And no, that doesn't mean every day will feel as magical as a birthday; but it does mean that God will fill me with joy that the world can't explain. It means that in the difficult seasons of life He will meet me with strength and grace. And it means that He doesn't expect me to have it all figured out, He wants to teach me.. one step at a time!

So here we go, 24! I'm excited to see what this year will bring and I'm excited to walk it step by step closer to Jesus..