I will not belabor you with reasons why I have been unable to write regular articles and updates. Obviously, between changing jobs and changing homes, our lives have seemed to be in overdrive. I cannot believe it has been almost five months since we moved to York. People often say that the older you get, the more time flies. Well, my birthday is around the corner and I have a sneaky suspicion that they are right. I am praising the Lord that this past week I have been able to be at our new home more, so I can help unpack and organize, build needed furniture, and simply spend time with my family.
I am also rejoicing over the opportunities we have had to minister to youth. Just last week, we led our first Teen Activity at the church, and this past Sunday, we were able to take our new neighbor’s kids to church. It is wonderful to hear my children invite other kids around the neighborhood to church. Pray that we will be a light in our neighborhood. We want to be a light wherever we are, but the fact that there are close to fifty homes on our short street reminds me of the necessity of hospitality, kindness, and integrity. It is often easier to pray that you become a light in this world, rather than a light on your street, because such a prayer is abstract and distant.
Praying for the world may seem grand and noble, while praying for our street, our road, our lane appears somewhat insignificant. However, the deeper our focus and the more specific the location, the more accountability comes alive in our hearts. In the same way, it is often easier for us to speak to a stranger about Christ rather than a relative. Our family knows us. They know we can be petty and proud, bitter and broken. But with those whom we have just met, we can hide our scars and wrinkles. Lord, help me to be genuine on my road! Help me to bear the likeness of Christ in the little areas of life!
Finally, I am overjoyed at the support that we have received from churches, families, and individuals. Our intention was to raise enough monetary help for rent until we could obtain a loan to purchase a home. Well, we found a home, obtained a loan, and are now celebrating two weeks in our “new” home. Yet, there were unexpected bills that arose during our move as well as a decrease in monthly salary. Still, in the midst of such financial pressures, it seemed that at just the right time we would receive a kind letter, a lending hand, or an unexpected love gift to calm our hearts and strengthen our resolve in what God has called us to do. No matter what happens, God is good, but it is a blessing to see people being led of the Lord to help us in different ways.
To fully trust in the ways of God is not something that comes easy. We often talk big and say we will trust Him no matter what, but our impatient attitude and daily walk betrays us. We try so hard to have our ducks in row and paint a mental picture of the future, but the canvas of our lives can become messy and distorted. We must only look to Jesus, the Master Painter. We must let go of our expectations and rest in His goodness. When it comes to spiritual victory, no amount of catchy formulas or “holy” regulations will do. We need only to draw near to Him! To abide in His love, grace, and power.
Psalms 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
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