(P) Hello friends!
I recently shared with you a little of the journey we have been through with our church small group over the past two and a half years. As it turns out "sometimes things need to fall apart to make way for better things." While that quote comes from a TV show, I believe it aptly describes where Alex and I currently find ourselves in this ongoing story. Over the past few months with my new job, a healthy social life, and so many other blessings, I have found myself content in life. It has been a breath of fresh air to rest in the arms of Jesus after several years struggling and being refined through many both beautiful and difficult things. (I should mention however, that Alex has been doing a lot more studying than resting lately.) I may be happy where I am now, but it seems that God has more in mind than keeping me comfortable. He knows better than I what is good for my heart. So naturally, there is another adventure just around the corner for us! With the unraveling of our previous community group, Alex and I found ourselves in search of a little fellowship and encouragement. Enter Scott and Charissa Cooley. Scott is an elder at our church and the Cooley's have three young boys (1,3 & 5). The first time we went to the Cooley's home was towards the end of October. While there we learned they had an empty three bedroom apartment in their basement. They informed us that they were looking for a family with whom they could share gospel fellowship to fill the space. That was a thursday. Sunday Scott invited us to consider moving in. By monday evening, via much prayer, consideration, and conviction, Alex and I had, in less than four days, gone from 'thats nice' to 'You want us to consider moving in?! But we like our apartment.' to 'Let's do this!'. It only took another week or so to make it official. We will be moving in at the end of November. Now, I will admit the four day transition left me reeling. There were so many questions swirling in my head. What is this going to look like? How long will it take to settle in to yet another home? Will we get along with them? What are all of the pros and cons? What on earth are we doing?!... Even now, almost a month later, my mind can come up with a number of reasons why this is a bad idea and lists of things I will sacrifice by choosing to live in another family's space. Even in my doubting however, my heart is at peace. I cannot tell you that the Cooley's are the perfect family, that we will always get along, or that I won't miss our unique old apartment in the center of Browne's Addition, but I can say that God is calling the Cooley's, Alex and I into the beautiful mess that is the church. He is calling us to love and encourage one another when that seems the last thing we want to do. He is calling us, not to pursue our comfort and ease, but to dive deeper into what it means to know the God who gave us everything so that we can know what it means to be full and alive in the center of his love.
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AuthorsWe are just a couple of kids from Iowa learning to trust Christ daily and aiming to serve Him though mission aviation. Archives
August 2023
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