As most would agree, life is unexpected. Things can change in the blink of an eye. Some like change, others do not. Me? I would lean on the side of not-so-much. There is something comforting in knowing, and planning, and understanding, and routine. Change can be exciting, but it can also be scary, risky, and it can happen ANY TIME.
There have been a few changes in the Thompson family the past few weeks. We have been in Miami the past 8 months living with Jaakan's mom, going to school full time, and working part time. Living arrangements changed suddenly, so we made the decision to come back to Chicago, and well...here we are!! Jonelle and I flew in almost 3 weeks ago, and Jaakan is driving up right now, actually. Unreal! It feels like we just did this :)
Life unexpected?! yes, I would say so!
We are staying with my parents for a couple months to get back on our feet (jobs, apartment, etc.) First of all, it is HUMBLING to have to rely on others SO much! I think as humans we have the desire to want to be independent, provide, and to have the ability to "make it on our own." I am realizing more and more the importance of community, support, friends, and family. We CAN'T live this life on our own..we are meant to live life alongside others.
Comfort is a big thing for me. I had this idea that I deserve a comfortable home-our OWN nice home, a comfortable schedule, a comfortable job, etc. But the TRUTH of the matter is that this world is NOT my home. Philippians 3:20 says, "But our citizenship is in HEAVEN. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Peter declares us "aliens and strangers in this world." I was getting caught up in the idea that I deserved to be comfortable while here on this earth. - how selfish. I am called to give up all I have, surrender everything to the Lord, and be GRATEFUL for everything He BLESSES me with. We are to have a HEAVENLY/ ETERNAL mindset, not one focused on things of this earth.
Another huge lesson I learned-we can't control things like we try to do so often. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that PREVAILS" (Proverbs 19:21). We can pray and plan all day long, but our lives are in the hands of a SOVEREIGN GOD and we need to be willing to FOLLOW Him at any second. "Jesus disciples left their nets, the source of their economic security, and their families, the source of their emotional security, and followed the One who promised to fulfill the deepest desires of their hearts" (Henri Nouwen). We need to be ready and willing to do the same thing, trusting that God is in control and will provide for our needs.
Psalm 16:2, "I say to the Lord, 'You are my God; I have no good thing apart from you.'" Through our relationship with the Lord, we find courage to let new things happen, things over which we have no control. "But Jesus says that maturity means growing willingness to be led-even to places we might not eagerly choose. It is in that time and place of need that we turn to Another. We realize that we cannot live without God. And all the recognitions and comforts of life take on a different cast." (Nouwen)
We are definitely walking this journey TOGETHER, and there is JOY in the journey! Keep us in your prayers during this time of transition and settling down again. :)
Much love!
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