The fact that this particular anniversary snuck up on me speaks volumes about how much God has accomplished in my life since we moved. Two years ago every single activity and errand required extra time because I had to figure out where I was going and how to get there. I was constantly introducing myself, hopeful and willing to nurture any seeds of friendship that might be planted during those early interactions. 12 months later I was spending far less time looking up directions. We had community events we attended regularly and some of my earliest interactions had grown into new friendships. Now, 25 months since our move, our life here feels familiar. I can call North Texas home with affection rather than heartache and those first seeds of friendship that were planted have continued to grow as I have diligently invested in the people God put in my path.
There was a time when I wondered if I would ever feel settled here or if I would have the energy needed to make friends. I spent a lot of time routinely confessing my feelings of loneliness and isolation to God and asking Him to grow my capacity and my community. Because of God's great love for me, He walked with me through a time of significant growth and change. God moved us right next door to neighbors who immediately became our friends but He has also guided me to the people He wanted me to meet and gave me the energy and courage to initiate the friendship. Over and over again, I made the first introduction. I was bold enough to ask if we could exchange numbers and then, I was almost always the one to send the first text or make the first invitation to get together. It can be exhausting to be the one who goes first, but for me, my pursuit of people to be in community with was an act of obedience before God. I knew that if I didn't seek others out, I would feel isolated, alone and abandoned.
I am by nature an introverted person. I love being home and the majority of my favorite activities are quiet. And yet, I knew that I needed to surround myself with people who I could deepen relationships with over time. As I have followed Gods prompting to take steps towards others, I have had learned the value of a friendly interaction. More often than not, the conversations I have with people don't lead to friendship, but they are still valuable. And the conversations I do have that plant seeds of friendship are incredibly life-giving. I've learned that it's not hard to offer a smile or to share kind words with a stranger and that not every interaction will lead to friendship. But God's desire for me is to pursue others in kindness and so that is exactly what I continue to do.
People often ask us how long we will be here. Shawn always says, "until God moves us somewhere else." We don't know how long we'll be in North Texas or where we will move if and when it's time to go. Regardless of how long we will be here, I will always be thankful that this move has taught me that it will always be my responsibility to choose contentment and to invest in those around me. I never thought I'd live outside of the midwest but God was not surprised by this move. We don't know what's next for us or when "next" will be, but we know that God has things that He wants to accomplish in and through us no matter where we are living. It is my hope that we will continue to be faithful to allow God to work in us and that no matter where we are, we will raise children who love Him deeply.
I hope you're having a great week!
Love,
Erica
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