As I got home the other day, the familiar scent of onions and grease wafted to my nostrils from the White Castle (and the 4 other fast food restaurants) at the end of my block. It then struck me that it’ll be another year before I’ll be back (God-willing) in this dear community.


A more fragrant aroma…
 

I haven’t even stepped on the plane yet and I’m already feeling homesick as I think back on this past year and all the people – all the FAMILY – God has blessed me with.

 
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
 
I’m so grateful for my family and all the brothers and sisters I’ve gotten to share life with! Though living in community with others in God’s family comes with its bumps and rough patches, it has been filled with SO much love and joy, and TONS of opportunities to grow and learn. I love the thought that even though I’m leaving family here in Indiana, I’m going to meet more family all over the world!
 
 
In the midst of “Goodbyes” and “See you laters,” I’ve been meditating on the words of Ephesians 3:14-21, praying these words for the family I’m leaving, for my squad, and for family I’ve yet to meet.
 

… I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.