I don't think this song could ever get old! We must have sung it 2 or 3 times this morning and each time it captured my heart. Not just captured it, but softened it!
We have the most humble, loving pastor at our new church. He sincerely loves his church family and community. He loves us enough to speak the truth in love too! So much so, that it brought him to tears this morning. He knows there are people all around us who have plenty but don't have God.
Confession time! I don't. I don't love this community. The reason why I haven't loved our new place is because it is a very wealthy community. *Feel free to roll your eyes at this point* I have felt out of place since day one. And honestly, I am struggling on where and how we fit here. In the church we fit great, but what about in our neighborhood?
We live simply. We are trying to keep our heads above water and we don't have all the *schtuff*. After sitting around a table with the neighbors the other night, my heart ached even more. Not to live like them, but wondering how to feel comfortable around them. Insecurities?...probably, but more than anything a prejudice heart.
We've been blessed with a beautiful home that we would never be able to afford if it were not for a generous woman who says God told her to bless us with it. But I feel completely out of my element in this community.
I have tried to brush it off because I feel horrible for complaining that I live in such a beautiful place. For crying out loud, we could be "on the wrong side of the tracks"...but would I love those people any less? Or would it be easier to love them because they are less fortunate?
Rich people need God too! Go figure!
It really hit me hard today how much my attitude stinks. How God has blessed me and I'm ungrateful. How I look at my neighbor across the street and assume they have it all together because of their 3 car garage and fancy back yard pool.
I've heard it said plenty times that we don't need to go to another country to be a missionary. That people right out our front door need the Lord. Shame on me for letting my attitude cloud my heart and really see how God can use us here.
Out of my element or not!
14 comments:
I would feel uncomfortable in that surrounding too, but what you wrote is so true! They may have money, but they don't have the most important thing~!
hmmmmm...great post. And one we all need to think about!!! I believe God places us where He can/wants to use us (job, neighborhood, school, etc) And if God placed me here, like I believe He did, then I need to do all I can to see where He is working and join him.
praying for you and the impact you will have on this new neighborhood!
Maybe as you get to know your nieghbors better you will find that they really are just ordinary people. Get to know them beyond all the finery and wealth and you will be surprised what you will find. Maybe.....
Be yourself, and they will see you have something they do not have.
Contentment, peace, joy, are all things people are looking for if they have wealth or not.
Praying you will find peace just where you are.
You have a great attitude, and I can see how you would feel uncomfortable. I'm sure I would too in the same situation.
I can so relate to this post. We live simply also, but one side of hubby's family lives richly, but for all they have they seem to be missing the true riches of life. Our Savior. Linda, I'm so glad you posted this. Bringing it back to the ONE. And you are RIGHT, this song never grows tiring.
Bless your heart, it's so hard to feel comfortable in surroundings that are unfamiliar or different to us.
This is such a great post, I'm so proud of you for coming to the conclusion that you have, you are such an inspiration to so many of us out here when you keep it real like this.
Big hugs.
miss your family on turtle creek dr.!!
I would feel uncomfortable, too. I think it's just part of human nature.
But rejoice in your blessings! How awesome is it that you've been "gifted" a nice house. That's wonderful!
The sad truth is that money sometimes makes it harder for people to draw close to God. So you might be there for a bigger reason than you think. :)
It would be hard for us, too.
God is strategic ... may He show you his strategy!!!
Sending you lovin's!!!
I completely agree with Connie's comment. And also remember, pool companies are a dime a dozen here and are way, way cheaper than you imagine.
Also, maybe your neighbors are up to their eyeballs in debt.
Still praying for your home to sell soon so you can begin to seriously look for a home you will feel comfortable in.
Greater things have yet to come in this city.
Every single day I struggle with insecurities, or feeling out of my element, in one regard or the other. So I definitely think I'd feel like this too. But I love your attitude - that you recognize it, and that you WANT to be used by God, wherever you are.
We sing this song a lot.
Your words referring to your heart "softened it" touched me when I read this.
For various reasons I have felt like I've had a hard/ tough heart lately. I can run down a list of things that have contributed to this factor- but this is not the person I want to be. This is not the heart I want to have.
It has been my prayer every morning that God would show His love through me, fill me with His peace, and fill my heart with His love.
I know everyone has their own little struggles. I encourage you to not lose faith. Stay strong in who you are, but keep your heart open to those around you.
Thanks for the encouragement your post brought me today
Just another thought. I look at those around me and think they have it all together. Only to find out that they are usually worse of than me. They may have the stuff- but they are in debt up to their eye balls.
and I totally agree that you dont need to leave the country to be a missionary. It is my hearts desire to have my husbands family come to Christ- I just have to step out and be better witnes for Him
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