We are learning the book of Genesis for our BSF study this year. There is a lot of talk about dwellings there. Abraham left the land of his forefathers and listened to God's call for a land promised to his descendants. He knew that his permanent dwelling was not there either. The Bible says that he longed for his eternal home.
We moved to our new home last December. Although we moved a few days before 2012 began, I always though of the move as something that happened in 2012. Although it was not too far from where we used to live (an hour away), I remember feeling very displaced the first couple of months here. Dealing with a toddler, husband's prolonged absences for work, 6 months pregnant, and trying to figure out and fit in.
Now, my baby is nearly 8 months old, and I feel like I have lived here always. I know where everything is, the short cuts, the back roads and all the community events. I run into the same faces at story time. I have painted all the rooms in the house and personalized it. I have a little corner in the bedroom that I call my own. After we came back from a vacation this Christmas and drove up to the house after a nearly two week absence, I realized just how much changed in 1 year. And I kept thinking about the word "dwell."
Our house, it is temporary, but it is where we are for now. It is our dwelling place. It is a place of respite, a shelter. We have plans for a big move in the near future. And in my heart I fight that at times. I am comfortable here. But I also know that when God is dwelling in my heart, I don't need to fear where I make my home.
I am taking up the word dwell for this year. How am I keeping my dwelling? Am I being a good steward of what the Lord has provided? How am I keeping the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit? Is it in bad shape? Am I strengthening it day to day by\pondering and lingering on God's word? I am choosing to reflect on these questions this year.
Happy New Year!
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