"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
Galatians 6:10
As some of you may already know, the small town in NY that I'm living in is pretty new to me. I've only been living here since September of last year. It's been quite an adjustment moving here to a place where I didn't know one soul. It was completely different moving from MS to CO than the move from CO to NY. In CO, even though I didn't know anyone going out there, I was instantly thrown into a community of believers and pretty much forced to get know people and to get along with them. Community and the opportunity for fellowship were all around me…pretty much 24/7 whether I wanted it to be there or not. In NY it was pretty much the complete opposite of my CO experience. I had to get out of my comfort zone in a way that I never had before.
After moving here I began the frightening task of church-hunting. SO SCARY TO ME. Walking in by myself and facing all of those people was nerve-racking and seemingly so awkward. It sounds so ridiculous; I know. But it was a pretty big deal to me. Visiting churches was more frightening to me than moving to NY and all that went along with it. Even I don't understand that!
Right off the bat I began to visit churches. They were all "nice" with "nice" people who seemed to love the Lord, but none of them "fit," ya know.
Ironically, a pastor's wife from the 1st church that I visited suggest that I try The Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in town. She said she thought I'd like it and that the pastor and his wife were around my age. (Originally, I had decided not to attend this church because I'd never heard of this denomination and thought it sounded like a cult. WRONG! haha)
So I went. While I was getting ready for church that morning I just had this thought, "I think I'm going to like this church." Strange, I know, but that's kind of what I was thinking and feeling. I went and was welcomed by so many people. I knew after just one visit that this was where I was supposed to be. God is kind of funny sometimes how He works things out. I didn't have a sign in the sky saying "ATTEND DELHI ALLIACE CHURCH", I just "knew" that was where I was supposed to be. I had peace. I felt like it "fit." It's kind of interesting because the slogan of the church is "A Place to Belong," and that has resonated in my heart all the months that have followed my initial visit there.
Spring is finally here!
Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to build up and gloryify the people there in and of themselves. I believe that it is because of the Spirit of God that lives in them that all of this is possible. I am taught, encouraged, challenged, convicted and humbled in this nook of the Body of Christ. The Lord has blessed me ABUNDANTLY through their obedience to Him. The Holy Spirit is moving in that place and in the lives of those who attend! I feel like I've been taken in to a safe place and loved on for no apparent reason. The church as a whole has been so supportive of this WR mission as well. I couldn't have asked for more encouragement and prayer/financial support. I've been overwhelmed. This is such a humbling experience for me. I know that it isn't from anything good in me or in them. It's just been a beautiful picture of how the Body should function. No, it's not a perfect place. It's a work-in-progress just like anywhere, but I believe their hearts are for the Lord. It is extremely refreshing to be in a place where people WANT to grow and see Christ glorified.
All that to basically say, THE LORD HAS BLESSED ME! He has shown Himself to be my FAITHFUL PROVIDER in ALL areas of my life (financially, emotionally, relationally, spiritually). Fear not. We are never alone. God will provide just what we need at just the right time. He is never late. His timing is impeccable.
As I'm getting more connected with people in the curch and in the community in general, I feel myself becoming quite attached to this quaint little town.
Dang it! That was pretty much my thought when I realized this about a month ago. You see, it's much easier to leave somewhere if you're not attached. It's not painful. You can leave and not look back or have a second thought about it. Now I am realizing that even though I know the Lord is leading me away for a year, it is going to be painful to leave Delhi. I am even beginning to be torn because of it. I feel as though I'm just getting my foot in the door so to speak only to be ripped up and taken away.
Even as I am typing this I think the Lord is showing me something:
Replanting is good for growth. You have to re-pot a plant when it gets too big for it's current home so that it can continue to grow and be healthy. Ripping it up may seem painful at the time, but it is for the ultimate good of the plant. With the right kind of care it will flourish in its new home. Who knows…maybe I'll be "planted" in Delhi again. At this point, I wouldn't mind one bit. 🙂
Part of my front yard view. 🙂
With all of my heart I firmly believe that God brought me specifically to this little town. What was the purpose? Only He can see the entire picture. All that I can do is trust and obey, abide and rest in the One who cares for me like no other.
Blessings,
~ Jessica ~
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
I John 3:1a
