I'm finally diving in - Some thoughts on Community

Sometimes I'm not quiet sure how to start a post off and today is one of those....

Let's just say after a year and two months of living in a small town I finally made the decision to jump into community here. You are probably thinking "Why haven't you done that sooner?" and I have an explanation.

I moved to Woodward a week after getting married. I wasn't planning on being here long at all. I initially thought we would be gone and moved away by December of 2013. "Hooray! I will be free from small town life," I thought. Then, in August, Dave told me we would stay through December. I didn't love that idea but knew we needed to stay. Come December our lease was up for renewal and we had a 6 month option; which meant I would be in Woodward until June. "I can make it until June," I told myself. 

I had plans you guys! I vividly remember on the way to Hawaii, in full planning mode/voice, telling Dave that as soon as we got back from Hawaii (end of March) I was going to organize & throw out stuff in April. In May I'd pack and on June 1st we'd be out the door! "Hooray," I thought, "Bye bye small town!" We would visit the east coast, see family and be in Asia by August. Go me!

Friends, It's June 26 and I'm still here. However, I'm thankful and wouldn't have it any other way. After planning, re-planning and re-re-planning the Holy Spirit used Proverbs 16:9 to turn on the lightbulb for me. The verse says: the heart of man deviseth his way, but the Lord directs his steps. I can plan all I want but in the end God's plans are so much better than mine, and I'm so glad. 

Friends, it took me over a year but I finally just surrendered. Surrendered to His timing. Surrendered to His plans for me and my schedule. I don't know why God has kept me in Woodward so long but I can tell you that it's been good for me to learn that life doesn't revolve around me. It's about God and what He wants. 

I don't work full time and I'll be honest, there have been some super lonely days; which although they are hard, I'm thankful for. Having so much alone time I started volunteering at the senior center which in turn opened my eyes to how the elderly people need friends. I would have never learned that if I weren't lonely. 

I've also seen God provide just what I need. When I was at my wits ends going bonkers from being home all day God opened the door for me to watch little Isaac two days a week. His Mom is one of my best friends here and such an encouragement in my walk with Christ. 

When I panicked at the beginning of this summer, not knowing what I would do, God provided a part time job for me at the water park. I might be here this fall and I know God has something for me. 

In the mean time, I finally made the decision to intentionally build relationships here, where I can. Dave and I travel a lot on the weekends, either back home or to a new place so building community hasn't been a huge priority. That also means I have Monday through Friday to be intentional. I'm not sure why I haven't made it a priority before and in a way I regret not doing so earlier. However, I'm really glad God finally opened my eyes and heart and showed me that there are wonderful people right here to get to know and to grow closer to Christ with. 

I don't know how long I'll be in this town but I'm excited to see what God has! He is good, friends and has made us to build up and encourage each other. I don't know what your situation is but I hope you'll plug in where you are and see God work.

How is community where are you are at? Are you intentional?