The Parish

Grown Ups

It is the beginning of February.

We have officially experienced one month out of the year of 2013.

And my year has been characterized so far by astonishment. Why? Mostly because in this crazy thing called adulthood, there are no time lines. I can come and go as I please. There is no one telling me that I have to go to school, that I must go to work, I am not anticipating High School graduation, getting a car, being able to vote, or being a college grad.

I have done all those things. I am there. I am accomplished.

Well, sort-of, anyways.

Throughout my life I have always had a timeline for the Lord and what He wanted for me: Ok, God, I will go overseas after I graduate. I need a degree to do those things. When I have an income, I will just give it away. When I am married, people will see your live through us. When (this) happens, I will do (blank)... Over the past eight years, He has shown me what a life lived for Him looks like. Multiple times, I have had conversations with others about living in a community that is below my means. A community where we would know our neighbors, that it might be a little scary, but not too scary (ha), where we can pour out our lives into the people we see everyday.

Real Life: This is Ministry.

And now it is here.

In this life moment of infinite time, Ben and I have made the grown-up decision to start looking for a house.

In a diverse neighborhood.

Only spending half out budget.

With an extra room so we can open our doors to whoever, whenever.

With neighbors who are close.

And different from us.

Seriously, you should have seen our realtor's face when we told her what we wanted. We are odd. We are different. And that's the way it should be.

We put in a bid on a house two weeks ago, now, after a lot of thought, prayers, and planning time. And today, we got a call from the sellers asking us to go into final negotiations. Over dinner tonight, Ben and I discussed our options with a promise to "think about it" and talk about it later tonight.

But, when I walked away, a thought hit me.

A house is a long-time commitment.

We will be there a while.

Our kids may grow up there.

Don't we want the best for them? ...for us?

Absolutely. I answered myself. And that best is Jesus. 

I am absolutely humbled by the fact that He wants us to live our lives this way. He is so good to us, and we are going to get to share that with whoever in Tuscaloosa for however long because of His provisions.

And that brings tears to my eyes.

It's time for the rubber to meet the road. All of my, Ok God, when (this) happens, I will do (blank). 

This has happened.

And instead of scary or stressful, it is beautiful, and overwhelming.

In the best way possible.

Because that's just how He rolls.

Let us hold unwaveringly to the hope we possess, because who has promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23