Living on my own these past five months has been a training field for me. I knew I would be leaving for the World Race in the fall, so I subleased a one-bedroom apartment that Father miraculously provided, right on time (isn’t that just like Him?).
I had no couch or fancy coffee tables; just a bed, a card table, and a few folding chairs. Learn how to live simply.
I had no internet in my apartment. Learn how to work in coffee shops, meet people, and listen to their stories.
I was miles away from where my work needed to take me, and often slept at friends’ houses to avoid battling traffic. Learn how to receive the gift of hospitality. Learn how to be flexible. Learn how to sleep anywhere!
I was also at least 45 minutes away from my family and much of the community I’d invested in for almost three years… and here’s what I learned:
Yes, I am an introvert, in part. I need a measure of solitude to refresh. If I’m honest, the thought of spending 11 months with little “alone time” can be a bit intimidating. Yet living on my own also taught me that I am made for relationships.
Sure, people can be bothersome sometimes. She doesn’t listen as well as you’d like her to. He doesn’t pick up his stuff. I notice things that I wish others wouldn’t do, and I’m sure I do things that others wish I wouldn’t do!
But if I could avoid all of these little inconveniences, small frustrations, petty arguments and fleeting offenses, would it be worth sacrificing the laughter we can share? Would it be worth never having the ability to be generous and to give? Would it be worth not having someone to call when my “to-do” list is finally done?
My conclusion: Nope. Not a bit. People are worth it.
Jesus walked right into my mess and loved me. He wasn’t surprised by my weaknesses; He didn’t condemn me for my mistakes. Quite the contrary.
The Word of God became human and made His home with us. He wanted to be in relationship with us so much that he waded through the mud of this world… so that He could be on our side.
He thinks we’re worth it.
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Thank you, Jesus, for loving me in my mess. Please help me to open my arms to relationships, like you did. You loved the world, Jesus. Help me to love like you have loved me.
References:
John 1:14 – The Word of God became human and made His home with us.
John 3:16-17 – God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
1 John 4:9, 19 – This is how the love of God was made manifest among us: God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. We love each other because He loved us first.
