Becoming at Home in God’s Design for Your Life
I recently listened to a reflection by Father John Burns. He invited us to go back to the very beginning—to the garden, to paradise—where everything was in perfect order and exactly as God intended.
Then he asked us to imagine ourselves there. What would it be like? How would it feel to stand in a place untouched by disorder, confusion, or longing?
At that moment, my infertility and the sense that my body wasn’t working the way it “should” were heavy on my heart. So naturally, that was the first thing that surfaced. But as I sat with the image of the garden, something unexpected became clear.
Seeing Myself as God Sees Me
If everything in the garden was exactly as God designed, then the “perfect” version of me wouldn’t be the woman with many children I once imagined. It would be me as I am now—with my infertility, with my questions, with my longing—yet fully content, fully at peace, completely aligned with what the Lord is calling me to be.
Father reminded us that when God created the garden, everything was good. Everything was intentional. Nothing was accidental or overlooked. And that includes me. God could have created me super fertile, but He didn’t. In His eyes, this story—my story—is not a deviation from the plan. It is the plan. And it is good.
These words hit differently when you’re carrying something that feels like a flaw. But Scripture doesn’t stutter. God’s design is deliberate. His love is unwavering. And His goodness is not undone by our pain.
Learning to Live From This Truth
I know this is hard. It takes real work to live from this place of trust. Some days it feels natural; other days it feels impossible. But we grow into it slowly—day by day, sometimes minute by minute—choosing to believe that we are good in God’s eyes, created with intention, and held in love. He does not make mistakes.
You Don’t Have to Walk This Alone
If these words resonate with you—if you, too, are navigating a season that feels out of order—I want you to know you’re not alone. And if you feel drawn to walk this journey with someone beside you, I invite you to reach out. I would be honored to walk with you as you grow into the person He is shaping you to be.
My Beloved One
Father John Burns shared this wonderful meditation with us and I invite you to let these words sink deep into your heart.
My beloved one, before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. I drew you with human cords, with bands of love.
I fostered you like one who raises an infant to his cheeks.
Yes, you are my beloved child and in you I am well pleased.
I have chosen you and not cast you away. Your name shall be my delight, for I delight in you, as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride. And even though the mountains may fall away and the hills may be shaken, my love will never fall away from you.
I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Do you not perceive it?
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for your woe, so that I can give you a future full of hope. When you call me, I will listen to you. When you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, for I am with you.
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you, I will fight for you, and I will not withdraw my merciful love from you.
And so, my daughter, my dove, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.
Behold, I am always with you.
Do not be afraid.
I have called you by name and you are mine.
You are precious in my eyes and honored.
And I love you.”