Ever since, I've talked about moving there. The summer after NYC, I went to New England for two months, which rocked my world on so many levels and brought the most amazing people into my life. I cannot imagine how different things would be if I'd have stayed in Louisiana or come back to New York that summer. Truth is, though, that love for Boston was what pushed me over the edge when making decisions about where to be a summer missionary that second year. God used images I couldn't get of my brain, baseball, people, and lots of slaps in the face to send me there.
I love the history, the ocean breezes, the accents, the scent of salt water, the seagulls, the immense passion for EVERYTHING (seriously, people in New England are passionate about anything they like- which I why I fit in so well with them). I just wish folks would transfer that passion into something like, oh, I dunno, loving Jesus. I tell you if all of the New Englanders would simply fall in in love with the Lord, they'd start workin on winning the world over so fast we wouldn't know what hit us.
I really could go on for hours and hours and hours and hours and ramble and go on and on and on and on and on about how completely flabbergasted I am in how God has brought people into my life in the last seven years from Baton Rouge, Providence, Boston, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Mississippi, etc. and twisted our lives around and intertwined them in ways that completely blow my mind. I feel like, at the root of it all, is New England. It seems to anchor all these connections somehow. Like all roads lead to Worcester or something like that.
Because of the ways God has used the next region north, I have always assumed he's going to have me land there at some point, even if only for a few years. And this may be the case. I have absolutely no opposition to it WHATSOEVER. Believe me, I'd love to go to more Red Sox games.
The point of this particular post is this: I don't think I'm moving there any time soon.
This is a new revelation. And a great one. One I've been praying for.
You see, I LOVE New York in immense ways I cannot describe. I wont even bother trying. Suffice it to say, this place feels like home and always has. I know I won't be here forever, or at least, I don't plan to be, but lately, with all the transitions in my life, I've been praying that God would show me if it is time to bow out or if it is time to settle in. And the overwhelming answer is SETTLE IN.
Having had this feeling for the past few months, and particularly since my return from Chicago, have become pretty comfortable in it. THAT SAID I knew that hopping the Lucky Star to Boston for the Red Sox game was going to be testy. I could see myself getting that same feeling I always get when I arrive at South Station, where I just KNOW I have to move there. But I didn't.
Upon my arrival, I had a couple of hours before the next train to Providence, so I prayer walked around the common, Chinatown, the meeting house, Quincy market, etc. During that time I kept praying God would show me if I was supposed to be in that city, and what needs he would reveal to me there in the meantime. I prayed and prayed and prayed, but I kept thinking "I kinda wish I was still in New York, I miss it already." This was foreign to me, I'm in BOSTON Im supposed to overwhelmingly excited to be there. But I wasn't. I loved it still, and I had a great time, but even in Fenway, it was like, God was saying "I know you love it here, but it's not the time." and I was PERFECTLY okay with that.
I'm super thankful for this trip, and the time I got to spend with Maria, who is AMAZING. I'm thankful for the long walk around Providence I took this morning (I really could write a whole post about that). I'm thankful for great weather, and Fenway Park. I'm thankful for the comfy megabus ride home (so much better than the Lucky Star ride there).
Most of all, I am thankful that God confirmed what I've been suspecting all along.
I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
3 comments:
Thanks for posting the link to this. I enjoy reading what's going on in your life and how God is using you. When I read 'it was like, God was saying "I know you love it here, but it's not the time."' I know I've been that way with DFW before, but now I'm finally getting to move back there. I'm not sure if you ever get to move back to New England, but I'm very happy to hear that you have a peace about where God has you.
Oh, and how many of your non-New England friends know where Worcester is AND know how to pronounce it?
Man I want to go back to Fenway with you... I do miss Boston.
We are so thankful God brought you to New England. We are glad you are staying in New York, but Boston would be okay too, it's about the same distance. Any time you need a break and want to come to the country, the Mega Bus stops right on the Storrs campus now. And if you get bored starting August 12, come on over and we'll hand you a scraper or paint brush. Rebecca and PJ are hoping to close on their new home August 12. August 24 our new pastor arrives and we'll have lots to do helping them too :-) You should come meet them, they are fellow southerners working to win the NE to Jesus!!!
Hey! Just stopping by to reply to your comment :)... of all the people that read the blog, i knew you'd notice the creole seasoning! :)
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