The place where you live matters.
The Rodriguez family
The place where you live matters. It didn’t escape God’s care to orchestrate the circles around you. Take time to think about the people that you know and see regularly. The lilies that grow quietly around you over time. God cares about who you know and talk to. You add beauty and depth to their life. Paul understood this concept when he wrote about visiting churches in person and having a spiritual gift exchange.
When I think about the places where I’ve lived I realize that I would never have met some people had I stayed in my place of origin. And I’ve learned so much along the way. If you are fortunate to live out your years in the same house or town then you have rich ground with deep roots. Some of us are more like dandelion seeds which are carried along by the wind.
Recently, we rented out our home to fellow believers who are now part of our story. We have been in transition for a few weeks since, trying to consolidate items in our storage unit. There have been so many people along the way who have helped us get our home ready, or opened up their homes to us, and welcomed us by providing a meal or two while we continue to get things in order. We will end our time in the States visiting my parents and a few friends in South Florida but let me tell you about some heroes that rescued us from overwhelm.
Friends like Neil and Jennifer helped us paint the endless brown trim, Freedom’s brother and his wife opened up their home, Herb and Michelle also opened their doors and let us use their basement for two weeks. Kimberly and Ryan cooked a couple of meals and prayed for us with tears, Amy shared DIY sushi with a side of inspiration and encouragement. Then there is Saul. Saul is our neighbor. He has blessed us in so many ways. He would come over and share his carpentry skills while he disciples us in the faith. He crafted several items in our home, cut our grass once when we weren’t looking(ninja), and helped us haul oversized items. I asked him if he was an angel several times.
Most of these days are spent saying goodbye to many things and people. I joke that after I gave away half of my shoes, everything else was a little easier to get rid of. But it’s the people that you carry with you everywhere you go. The times you shared and the gift exchange that keeps giving.
Let’s talk about that gift exchange. It’s often imperceptible. It comes from the refreshment that we have brought to each other over the years. It’s small, sweet moments that build an abundant life.
Pretty soon we will be in an airplane and the doors will open to New.
New people. New church. New gifts to give and receive. It’s been the recurring message that it will be joyful. Freedom, with his long-time dream of being a minister through the arts, will be unleashed. It’s no wonder lately that his spirit hears the words, “pick up your mat and walk.” As long as I’ve known him he has longed and he has waited. He has even said, “Take this cup from me.” I look forward to seeing him in action. I will be by his side with two of our three children following his lead and helping to carry the dream forward as we serve in Ecuador.
Prayer points and updates:
Pray for our travels as we anticipate lugging around two large suitcases, one carry-on, and a personal bag...each. That’s twelve heavy items.
Opportunities to supplement our support with graphic design freelance.
Our family traveling without our dog for now due to Covid restrictions on live animals.
Our kids as they adjust.
Praise:
Our apartment in Ecuador is getting ready. There will be some renovations happening in the kitchen while we are there but, by now we are pros at transitions.
Our twentieth wedding anniversary! What joy!
The support from my extended family as they are eager to welcome us.
