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Friday, April 17, 2009

Stergo, revisited


God can do amazing things. He can move the mountain that is His child's hardened heart. He can open doors that we, in sin, slam in His face.

He can turn a huge blessing into one of tremendous proportions.

A few months back, I wrote about my awe in the gift being offered to me: a huge home in which to raise my growing family. I wrestled with the Lord and my own feelings of inadequacy, and finally found myself coming out the other side of that strangely lonely tunnel. Yes, I admitted. My house is going on the market. I'm following you to this place, God. Just ... hold my hand, o.k.?

No sooner had I come to terms with this blessing then Mr. Blandings and I felt our hearts tugged in another direction altogether. A direction neither of us ever hoped to entertain this side of 50. A direction too good to be true.

A farm.

What we really wanted, in our heart of hearts, was a farm.

Do it, we heard God's voice urge. I've gotten your attention. You've made the first step: the house is for sale. You never would have done it if I hadn't dangled that house in front of you. Now ... open your hands so that I can fill them.

To the outside world, I'm sure it looked like an amazing doubletake on our behalf. From a big suburban American Dream House to a couple of acres and some goats? To us, as a couple, the voice couldn't have been more audible had it been accompanied by a dove. God said put the house up for sale, and we did. We moved forward in faith and yes, He met us there.

It only took a few weeks for things to fall apart with the builder we were working with on the big house. All of a sudden, the door slammed shut. But our house was still listed. God, are you saying we should ...???

YES!!!

So we started looking. Turns out that now that our eyes had been opened to the prospect of a new home, possibilities were popping up all over. Possibilities in and under our price range.

Farms, people. Land. Acreage.

Small farms, to be sure. Five acre plots, just enough to get a couple of dairy goats, some chickens, maybe tinker in a few other animals. Enough room for a sizable garden with all the potatoes, tomatoes, corn and beans a family could eat.

But a farm.

My heart, my soul sings at the thought. If you know me at all, you know how spying a bird fills a place in my heart that nothing else can touch. How eating a tomato I've grown myself is the sweetest form of victory. How walking barefoot in good, black dirt is enough to send me into a state of bliss that can barely be punctured.

So you see, God is still very much in the business of stergo. And while my current home still sits on the market, and we still pray for a sale, I don't worry. God's timing, His path and His journey thus far have led me only to the green pastures I was seeking all along. Surely goodness and love will follow me all my days.

8 comments:

Sarah said...

That was heartwarming. :) He knows what we NEED and want, even before we do. Amen to that, sister!

Kate said...

Fantastic!!

Unknown said...

Oh, my heart would be singing as well! How exciting! I pray the Lord directs you to "The One" and opens wide the gate before you!!! :D

You Can Call Me Jane said...

I am really excited for you! Four years ago, we moved from a development to a little farmette (farmhouse, lots of outbuildings- shop, chicken house, pig pens, stalls) on an acre and a half. This has proved to be plenty of space for us and allowed us chickens, large gardens and a small orchard. I certainly feel closer to God here surrounded by nature. Blessings to you as you discern His path for your family:-).

EllaJac said...

Oh this just brings tears to my eyes! I hope you get this dream!

God moved mountains almost 6 years ago, and we went from tiny house/half lot, to BIG house, 17 acres. I LOVE my chickens, my garden... Hubby says goats are only good for target practice, so I can't get one of those. :( Maybe a jersey cow someday...?

It's lovely, it's wonderful, it's dirty, hard, work, and amazing. :)

The Hayes Zoo said...

Oh. my. heck.

THAT is my dream too. You just go right ahead and work out all the kinks so I can glean from your experience before we jump off that diving board. :)

SO excited to see the new developments....

Overwhelmed! said...

I pray that you get your farm soon! :)

I love your chicken picture. My husband is building a chicken coup in our side yard. He's ordered 4 baby chicks to be delivered in mid-May.

Did I mention that we live in the city! Apparently my husband learned that a certain number of chickens are legal in city limits, but no roasters.

Oh, and our turtles mated and now we have a bity baby turtle! :)

Luke Holzmann said...

Thanks for the reminder, Mary Grace. God's timing and moving is good and right and best.

Sometimes, it doesn't feel that way... so it's good to see His goodness in the lives of others to build up faith for our own lives.

~Luke