Learn To Swim

Tonight was my last official girl's house meeting. For the past two and a half years I have lived in community with some other Jesus seeking women from my church. There have been up to nine of us sharing a house, working at the same job, doing the same ministries and attending the same church. For me, this season has come to a close. Tonight's meeting was extra special. We sat around our kitchen table and shared a meal and then proceeded to have our meeting. We have a format that we follow for the meetings, and every week it includes a slot of time for "feedback". It's a time where we, as a family, share with an elected person all of the wonderful things we see in them. Tonight was my turn.
As I enter into a new season of life, and as I move forward in where God is calling me, I am overwhelmed with the things he has done. As I told my roommates, this has been the hardest year of my life, yet it has also been the best. I'm sure that the years to come will grow increasingly harder, yet at the same time memorable. There is such a richness to be experienced in enduring trials and pressing into the Lord.
We've shared tears, and resentments, fears, heartaches. Our stone hearts have become pliable in our maker's hands and our insecurities have been eased, and in some cases completely dissolved by being put in situations that call for transparency and authenticity. I am no exception. God, in all of his providence, chose this past year to expel many of my own fears. He exposed my deepest wounds, even when it meant re-opening them, and poured out his healing balm of acceptance, love, patience, kindness, and truth, all within the context of an imperfect community. We serve a gracious and abundantly loving God.
Tomorrow is my last day of work, and in a week I will call a new building my home. Over the next year there will be new trials to overcome and if God is gracious to allow it, I will draw ever closer to him.
I look forward to all that awaits.

***

As my eyes remained fixed on my Lord
The waters that were once ankle-deep began to rise
I found myself waist deep and full of fear
But as the waters rose, He swam with me
And what of the water's depths?
They became unknown...