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beauty
As much fun as I've had with friends, meeting new friends and speaking at different schools and churches it sure feels good to be *home.* In fact, I'm enjoying my second cup of blonde roast in my favorite mug, my overstuffed couch, windows open and fresh breeze. I love lazy Saturdays and, maybe more than ever, I'm welcoming spring with arms wide open.
One of the hardest parts about traveling is that I am always the visitor. Even when I'm back in AL, on familiar turf, I'm still an outsider, I'm no longer a part of the community. And, that's a hard pill to swallow. It's hardest because I am being welcomed by folks to places that I once welcomed others, sitting by idly when I once swarmed with tasks to help ensure others felt warm, invited, welcomed. The reality is hard, but it's okay.
For, you see, I now have a new community, new friends, new visitors to welcome. I love inviting others in, helping them feel as though they belong. One of my favorite ways to do this is by having people into my home. I used to think that once my house was perfectly decorated I would have people over all the time--you know what, I'm constantly adding/changing my decor. My house will never be perfectly decorated, but what a blessing it is to have the space to entertain friends. Last night I had some friends over for a waffle picnic. I'm still on the hunt for an old wooden picnic table for the back, to put next to the garden, so instead we enjoyed an indoor picnic with the windows wide open.
And, as if having a beautiful home, a great job and terrific friends wasn't enough, the Lord has allowed me to be a part of a new ARC church plant. An answer to prayer and another way that I can invest into this community. This chapter looks and feels a lot different than the last, I'm using new tools, building something new, and growing in unexpected areas. And, while I know change is always just a breath away, I'm enjoying this here and now. I am so truly blessed and my hope is that I will pass these blessings on to others and that they will know deep down to their souls...you are welcome here.
Sending many blessings your way! xox
