Home.
I’ve been here for a little over a month, back in the house that I grew up in. I’ve spent my days sitting in my favorite coffee shop and around my kitchen table with friends and family, laughing and swapping stories. When I think back over this past month, that’s really the extent of what I’ve done. Sit, talk, and drink coffee.
I’ve been able to catch up with people from every stage of my life. I’ve been reminded of many memories from my past, which has allowed me to see the big picture of my life. I am amazed at the place God has brought me today,
and I am amazed at the intricate ways He has loved me through every season.
and I am amazed at the intricate ways He has loved me through every season.
My taste buds have enjoyed home cooked food again, my body has enjoyed regular hot showers, my feet have enjoyed walking on soft carpet, and my heart has enjoyed being in the presence of my family.
One thing that I am not enjoying is the Indiana weather. I am currently wearing sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and slippers, and I’m still cold. After living a year in hot, sticky summer weather, my body doesn’t know what to do with 59 degrees and cold rain!
Something that surprised me since being home – even though I knew this truth – was that God hasn’t changed. When I realized that God was still pursuing me, still speaking to me, still blessing me, and still providing for my every need, I was overwhelmed with how good our God is. Whether I’m overseas doing a year long mission trip or in the U.S. reconnecting with friends and family, God is God. He never leaves, He never stops loving, and He never stops working in powerful and exciting ways.
I have discovered that the top question I get asked is, “So what’s next?” While it would be nice to have an exact plan and job in line, God has made it clear that for these several months, He wants me to just be. To be with the people I love…sitting, talking, laughing, drinking coffee…just being.
I recognize this goes against the popular belief that we should be career-minded, schedule-oriented, and futuristic thinkers. Yet, the more time I spend with God, the more He confirms that “being” is where He wants me right now. Some verses He led me to are…
“While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper…” (Mark 14:3)
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:3-4)
“Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.” (Hebrews 6:15)
When my mind starts to get restless over the future, I hear a gentle reminder from God, “Amy, believe Me when I tell you I know the plans I have for you.” I know He has a plan for me, a plan much greater than anything I could think up in my mind. But right now, He is calling me to sit and be with the people He’s placed in my life at the moment. Whether that looks like sharing bits of my story with a stranger I met walking downtown or just letting my little cousins braid my hair for an hour, I am seeing how God created us to enjoy one another’s presence and to need one another’s presence. I have also found that God has increased my desire and need to be in His presence. While on the Race, consistent worship was something my team needed to stay grounded, energized, and focused. Since being home, I have realized that I still need worship for the same reasons. It doesn’t matter that I am worshiping God alone in my room, rather than with my team in a different country. God’s presence still overwhelms and satisfies my soul. He’s like that freshly brewed cup of coffee every morning that gets you goin’ before work.
So for now, I will continue being.
I will continue living the passionate lifestyle of faith God taught me to live. I will continue to listen to His voice, to boldly pray for people right then and there when they need it, and to spend time basking in the goodness of God’s presence.
And of course, I will continue to sit, to talk, and to drink coffee.
