Two years ago, I never imagined that I would be here, in Georgia.
Two years ago, I lived in Chicago and I never thought that I would ever set eyes on the Black Sea.
Two years ago, I had no community. I worked way too much in a job that made me miserable and cynical. The only people I interacted with on a regular basis were my coworkers, and those were superficial relationships.
Two years ago, I was in a relationship with a man I wanted to marry. Had that relationship continued, by now there would have been a dog or two, probably a child, and maybe even a cabin in Michigan. Even so, my life would have been smaller. I would have stifled my God-given passions, talents, and gifts. I would have quenched the Holy Spirit.
Two years ago, I was lonely. I would have continued to spend so much energy on loving somebody who could never love me in the way I deserve. I never would have been beyond #5 on his list of priorities. Divorce would have been in my future.
In less than two weeks, I will be 30. I never imagined I would be unmarried at this age. That was not in my plan. I thought I would be a mother by now. The Lord knows my deep yearning for a husband and family.
I may not have a husband, but I am surrounded by an amazing community that has become my family. This experience and these people have changed my life.
I never knew life could be like this. Life full of so much love, joy, laughter, and tears. Life with deep intimacy with God. Life with an intentional community who constantly encourages and inspires me, and calls me higher in love and truth.
I have felt the Lord moving so powerfully over the last two years, especially in the last several months on the World Race.
Now I have God-sized dreams and new desires. Now I have an unquenchable thirst for His Spirit.
I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good and faithful, and I will never be the same.
Thank you, Jesus, that your timing is perfect. Thank you that your plans for us are so much better than what we could ever imagine.
