These are the thoughts that have been going through my mind the last couple of weeks. I even bought the Idiots Guide to Buying a Home. What is hilarious about that is the fact that I read the first chapter and realized that buying a house was not right for me at this point in my life. I guess the book was just the way in which God pointed out my irrational thoughts that were going through my head. But this was not the only point of clarity for me in this house buying decision. I had a discussion with a woman a few weeks ago who had just purchased a house with her husband. I told her about my thoughts of buying a house and we discussed a few things. Then she commented that maybe buying a house wasn't the best option because what if I met a guy and was stuck here in Colorado with a house? Well of course I shrugged that off because even if I did meet a guy I was independent enough that I wouldn't just follow him anywhere. What about my passion and my career? Yes these thoughts are very "Miss Independent".
The conversation with the woman didn't discourage me at all from pursuing my option of buying a house. But during this time I started re-reading "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. I read it a couple years ago and thought I would pick it up again. If you are single or even if you are in a relationship, I highly recommend this read. Basically Harris points out how society has changed the way that we as Christians date. It is probably very radical to some but to others it reminds us of what relationships are supposed to look like regardless of what society deems acceptable. My favorite part of the book is when he talks about singleness. He describes singleness by stating that:
God gives us singleness - a season of our lives unmatched in its boundless opportunities for growth, learning, and service - and we view it as a chance to get bogged down in finding and keeping boyfriends and girlfriends (p. 44).
Until you realize God's gift of your singleness, you'll probably miss out on the incredible opportunities it holds (p. 51).
As a single you have the freedom right now to explore, study, and tackle the world. No other time in your life will offer these chances (p. 51).
If you are thinking that since it is near Valentine's day and this post is about the tragedy of being single you are mistaken. All of these thoughts, the house, the comment from the woman, and this concept by Harris all came together for me. The woman's comment meant so much more than I took it to mean. To me now, it didn't have anything to do with a potential boyfriend. It is about the fact that if I bought a house here in Colorado would I be available to God? This time in my life, being single and unattached is a time in my life when God will use me when He might not be able to use others who are attached. To me her statement now translated to, well what if God was calling you to go across the country? What is God called you to pick up everything and spread His name? These are the thoughts now that go through my mind. I am not in a place right now to get bogged down with a house. God will be using me and I want to be available to Him. It is so comforting now to know that this decision to buy a house is squashed. Not for financial reasons, lack of time, or not finding the perfect home. It is confidently squashed because of my faith that God has some amazing things in store for me and I want to be as available to Him as I can be. It is such an amazing feeling!
So my question to you is.....Are YOU available to God?
Awesome post! I'm glad to hear that you are seeking what God wants and not necessarily what you want for yourself :) Pure humbleness, and to answer your question: Yes, of course I'm available to God ;)
ReplyDeleteSo true Andra! Savor your season of singleness. The Lord, indeed, has amazing plans for you.
ReplyDeleteI even wonder if as we get into relationships, etc., just how "attached" we should allow ourselves to become. Whether that is with physical things (like a house) or emotional attachments to other random things. Those attachments, and our protection of them, seem to easily begin to consume and direct our paths and stifle our willingness to "go" wherever the Lord is leading.