Visiting family reminds me of how much I need relationships. My recent visit to my sister and brother-in-law’s home also reminded me of my need for beautiful and natural surroundings.
It had been a year since I’d seen any of my siblings. We live from Florida to Alaska and our reunions are dependent on work schedules and space availability. Last time, it was my brother and sister-in-law in Florida who hosted. We hope to all gather again next summer. At the last minute, my Ohio sister decided to visit my Arkansas sister and I decided to drive up and join them. It was delightful. You know how you can tell something, and everyone knows the backstory? That’s what it’s like with my family. We all get it. Saying two sentences covers it all, unless we add kids or grandkids. Then there’s ‘splaining’ to do.
My Arkansas sister and my brother-in-law both worked in construction and they built their retirement home. It overlooks a large lake with a great view looking east. The view from their living room shows mature trees and the lake – big enough to have an island in the middle. Multiple songbirds visit their feeders. Hummingbirds nest nearby, clashing over the nectar feeder in the front yard as only hummingbirds do with entertaining posturing, especially by the males. A bald eagle flew across the yard not far from the windows once that I saw.
Watching the lake with the changes of color dependent on clouds and sun draws one in and can involve hours of simple pleasure. Water skiing and boarding as well as jet skis entertain the boaters and viewers alike. A visit to the river down from the dam showed the enchanting fog rising as cold water meets hot, humid air. Children and fishermen are both intrigued by the water and wildlife.
But mostly for me, it is the peace of a scene mostly made by the hand of God that draws me into a feeling that all is well and that I can trust Him.
The choice to build on a rural lake offers all these delights but also comes with a price. Shopping in the immediate area is limited. Review of churches shows good ones. Finding a complete, great church is more difficult. Neighbors are friendly for the most part, but property issues sometimes take some negotiating.
So, my heart is decidedly drawn to such a beautiful place, but I also recognize that it is harder to meet other needs. My special diet is more difficult to provide for in a rural area. This quarantine reveals my desperate need for corporate worship – does it exist in such a rural location? Or maybe there is an in between option, a home near enough to a large city to not lose the niceties but offering the peaceful, natural surroundings my soul craves. I had that earlier in my life and grew spiritually in part because of that peace.
So, once again, I am relying on the faithfulness of God to know what is best for me in my next home. His choice will be perfect, and because the Holy Spirit can and does lead me, I will live where I can grow and open my home to others. His promise is real:
Psalm 37:4-5 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
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