"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.
~ Marianne Williamson
Before moving back to my hometown, between here and there, I never really understood what people meant when they said they loved their community. I knew what it was to feel the love of church family, to know some of my neighbors, to see the beauty of the nature that surrounded me; but when it came to hometown parades, and community events, not so much. Things have changed. I am thankful.
For part of my childhood, I was raised in the country, near a small town, which I felt didn't fit me. I married the love of my life, drove off into the sunset, my wedding veil blowing in the breeze and whispered within my heart,
"I'm never coming back!" (insert laughter) Does the Lord have a sense of humor or what?
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
~Psalm 32:8 (niv)
Since finding myself right back where I started, staring at the familiar landscape before me, I learned, be it ever so slowly, to stop giving God directions. Its funny how God changes our hearts; draws us back, moves us forward, places us here, there and in between. Yet, at times, we fail to see "here" is where He has planted us, right where we stand. That was me three years ago. That's not me today.
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
~Psalm 143:8 (niv)
The journey from resentment to acceptance isn't easy. At times, it's difficult to see that we are not at the end of the road, but waiting upon the paving of another. However, there comes a moment when the "why" is easier to understand. When joy comes down and rays of sunshine warm the weary traveler. That's where I am. Slowly, I've come to understand bits and pieces of "why" and as I walk down the streets of this tranquil small town, I no longer feel that it doesn't fit me. For once, I almost feel I have a place in the community picture. It's sweet. God has a plan for me and mine here "
in between". To be a blessing, to be a joy-giver and a bright light in a sometimes dreary land.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
~Ephesians 2:10 (niv)
It's not the life I imagined, however, it is God's plan for my life.
This song speaks my heart. Community. May Jesus be the center of mine.
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
~Isaiah 30:21 (niv)
