As sad as this is, the past three days have not been without tears. Don't worry -- this return is going much smoother than the one in the fall. The trip over Christmas break, however, left me more sure than ever that Kansas City is a home for me. When I'm in Kansas City, I know my way around town. I can walk into the coffeeshop and greet a handful of people I know within a few seconds. I can walk into the prayer room and hear the familiar rhythm of prayer leader - singers - prayer leader - singers. In Kansas City, I can head to Amy's house any time of the day or night and curl up by her fire (after having raided her chocolate stash or drunk some of her raw milk that she gets from the farmers every Saturday at 3 o'clock) with either a book or with a simple desire for warmth. In Kansas City, I can merely begin the word "snuggle" and have at least one of five cuddly children thrown into my arms. In Kansas City, I can be teased by sisters while I make them dinner. I can go on midnight runs to HyVee with Christina for $1 ice cream. I can knock on the Bohlender's front door even though I know I could walk in without knocking.
Kansas City is home in an instant. My home in Tacoma is still growing.
This verse has been touching the tender part of my missing-home heart the past few days:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also planted eternity in men's hearts, yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11
So if you find yourself in a place where you know the Lord has placed you, but today - just today - the circumstances hurt for a little bit, remember that He makes everything beautiful in time. Your faith will be tested, but it will be more precious than gold refined by the fire. It's going to be worth it. The things you do now out of love for Him, regardless of pain or discomfort, they will last. He sees all, and you are safe. Utterly, completely, totally safe.
2 comments:
A while back you posted to my blog and I found it very encouraging. While reading this post I am once again encouraged by your words. In two weeks I will leave the familiar, comfortable, secure place of "home" and move to Australia for school. I will only be gone for 6 months, but what I am giving up seems so much greater. Thank you for the reminder that God knows. Best wishes in your transition back to school.
I love that this city has become such a place of comfort and love in your heart. We do love and miss you terribly dear one, but I was so encouraged while reading this today. You know why?
I couldn't help but smile because I know the truth that the tension you feel is the missing of the home you have never known. And I know that it is coming. He is coming, and then you will be home. All longing fulfilled, all desire met in waves of knowing and loving and being found.
Home is on it's way my friend.
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