Nine years ago I had a dream, one that kept me up at night as I planned, prayed and longed to be living my life with people coming behind me. I longed to simply live life, but live it to the fullest and invite people to come and be in my house, to rest and be filled with the love of Jesus. 6 years ago I did all I could to stay in my beautiful castle, in wonderful Hungary, with amazing friends, ALMOST living out my dream. God is always good, and He knew better than me. He knew I wouldn't be satisfied with almost. While I was state side raising support (In reality I was losing all of my previous support and not gaining any new support), I met Charlie. My mother had been trying to set me up with him every time I was home visiting. Charlie had been working as a youth paster for a few years, was deeply involved with Bible quizzing, and had a passion for mentoring the young men that came into his ministry. This time she won, I had no choice but to go along with her and spend a weekend working at one of his quiz retreats. From there a friendship sprouted, and as we learned more about each other we quickly realized we had the same dream.
A dream where we both longed for a haven where people could not only rest in Christ's love but can physically be refreshed. Where they can be real without masks, and still be mentored. To have a place they can learn the value of work and the true meaning of a family unit. In our dream this haven was framed in beautiful Maine, with woods and trails to walk, bubbling brooks to sit and meditate beside...
Once it became clear that I wasn't going to be able to raise the support needed I went back "home" to Hungary. I packed my bags, trained somebody to fill my role in the ministry and moved state side again. Two weeks after I moved home I was asked to be Charlie's wife and 72 days later I began the best chapter of my life.
From there we had two sons. We were also able to live out a small part of our dream. In our little tiny house in down town Bangor we were able to have some who needed a home live with us. We loved it and are pretty sure they did too.
From my earlier post "Sweet Submission" you know we had a weekend to decide between two major roads that would take us in two very different directions. I've found from my life experience and from Scripture that often times the best road is the one that makes the least amount of sense to me. Three days ago I was able to say that I trusted my husband as he led me. I'm completely confident in his love and care for me. Today I am able to say that I think he made the best choice for our family.
For this season of life as I enjoy the ride with my hubby, as I raise my two little boys, as I sit and rest with friends, as I mentor those behind me, as I'm loved by those ahead of me I am finding these verses helpful:
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
~ Psalm 37:3-7a
Hey Shandy, I was up in the wee hours of the morning unable to sleep and read this--it is great. And it is nice to hear their story from your view point:) I too feel I am nearing a cross road in my life and it is difficult to be patient.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you in your endeavors to extend hospitality to others--I think that caring for others in that way is something close to God's heart.
--Amara
Great story my sweet friend. I pray that God will continue to lead your steps, watch over your family and give you His blessings. Love you!
ReplyDeleteLidia