This morning, my husband flipped open my Bible, and of all places, it landed in 3 John. It’s such a short letter, but packed with encouragement. John writes to Gaius and you can almost hear the joy in his words: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” That resonates deeply with me today.

Just last week, we said goodbye to a houseguest who left under stressful and somewhat dubious circumstances. Hospitality felt heavy, not joyful, and I found myself wrestling with disappointment. The study notes talk about hospitality. However, it is more than inviting someone into your home. Being hospitable is not just in deed, but in heart. What a gentle reminder that the posture of hospitality is as important as the act itself.

Jesus calls The Holy Spirit is the Paraclete—the One who comes alongside, the constant companion, guiding and speaking into every moment. I couldn’t help but smile at the similarity: Paraclete, pair of cleats. Thank you, Jesus, for the best shoes of peace. 💜✝️💜

Life gives us different climates for different seasons. Sometimes I feel like I’m running in cleats on a hard, uneven field. Other days it’s sandals or flip-flops, when the pace is slower and the terrain feels easy. But no matter the shoes I wear, I am never walking alone. The Holy Spirit is right beside me, steadying my steps, nudging me back onto the path, reminding me of truth when circumstances feel confusing.

So today, I choose to lace up with gratitude. Whether the ground is rough or smooth, I have a Paraclete—a pair of cleats—that will carry me faithfully wherever God leads. I am lacing up with perfect peace in my heart.

Shalom. Shalom.