It's been a few months since I've written on the blog. My hiatus has been for wonderful reasons -- I'm learning to be present HERE and NOW to soak up each little moment with the beautiful people with which God has surrounded me. Many of my friends are moving to start the next chapter and it has been hard. But I know He has an exciting plan and purpose for each and every one of them. Many tears have been shed as we wave goodbye, or 'see ya later', to our dear, dear friends.
[For an amazing blog my friend Melissa wrote about her time at GCTS and saying goodbye, check it out HERE. Warning: it may move you to tears!]
The Lord has changed me deeply in ten short months. I'm excited to share with you the ways He has moved my heart.
1. Seminary Wives are Strong
Being at GCTS has been a true delight for my soul. As an extrovert who craves people, I've been surprised by just how much I need community. This amazing group of women are wonderful wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and friends from all over the world. Some of these women have been missionaries to Nicaragua, China and Puerto Rico. Some work in the marketing field, pediatric physical therapy or teach first grade. A few women don't speak English as their first language and have moved to a foreign country with their husband and children to follow God's call.
These godly, servant-hearted ladies are the future supporters and encouragers to their husbands who will pastor the global Christian body. They have been called to labor alongside their families for the sake of His gospel and kingdom.
And they are strong. They are the backbone to their homes and will be their husbands constant source of strength and renewal when ministry undoubtedly gets hard. I cannot wait to see how God uses them for His sake and am honored to be their friend.
2. STUFF ≠ JOY
I used to think that having a big house or nice things would help supplant my happiness in day-to-day life. I focused on the things of life rather than the people in my life. The comparison game would come on hard and strong with each morning of driving down the Dallas North Tollway or walking around the Shops at Legacy. (Not to say either of those things are bad in any way...)
But I've learned the STUFF will never produce joy. Sure, the 'stuff' is fun for a moment, but then it ages and cracks, becomes stained and eventually collects a layer of dust in the corner of your closet. Living in a place where families of five share two rooms and one bathroom has taught me that joy can never be found in how nice your furniture or TV. I pray that I would always be content with exactly what the Lord chooses to give me and, whether in times in plenty or want, my soul would sing His praises.
The stuff that matters is relationship; with Jesus, family, the body of Christ and His world.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:18-21
3. Living in community is how God designed it
The house doesn't need to look perfect, the table doesn't need to be set and my hair doesn't have to be done to understand the importance of being with people. I'm learning to just live life with those around me rather than host, or put on a "show".
There's something beautiful about being in pajama pants during bible study with women and not feeling out of place or shame! Granted, it helps that I just have to walk down the hall rather than hop in the car, however the point is to come as we are and learn to love others before looking put-together on the outside. We are quick to share ingredients in pantries, watch each other's kids and monitors for date nights and fold each other's laundry. We are one body and need each other to coexist.
I pride myself on being Miss Independent (always have since I was little -- just ask my momma). I am quick to say "I can do it on my own...I'm okay, I don't need you to do it for me..." Although this is something I'll struggle with my entire life, I'm learning that it's okay to be dependent on others when I'm weak. It's okay to ask for encouragement, prayer or wisdom. My heart has softened to being teachable rather than insisting that I know what's best.There is something beautiful and unique about living in an apartment with thin walls and nowhere to hide. We are accountable with one another and are there to pick each other up when some of us aren't strong enough on our own. I'm thankful for the deep community and commitment these families and us have to each other as one body.
"But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored, all rejoice together." - 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
4. God has a place for us
God knew that Jimmy and I must go to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Although we could sense the Holy Spirit directing us there, there was a big part of us thinking, "what have we done!?!" as we left our home and family.
Today, we see His faithfulness in leading us here. Our marriage has strengthened, relationships with others have deepened and our faith has grown. We've seen him provide through unplanned monetary gifts and jobs. We've watched Him work in our relationship with each other. We've felt his faithfulness in bringing us to a great church where we can serve.
Yes, my friends, He knew we needed to be here. We can trust Him.
"The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him." - Acts 17:24-27
In Him,
The Millers
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