I bought a house.  It was a pretty rebellious thing to do.  I was young and single and had no idea that property taxes were so high in northern Illinois.

I loved my house.  I painted the walls and hung pictures.  Even when I felt the weight of escrow, I felt home.

This house blessed me and others far beyond what I envisioned (isn’t that the way God is?)  I had another teacher live with me.  We had a student live with us for a bit when their home situation became unsafe.  I’ve hosted travelers and Bible studies and staff Christmas parties.  All in this, my first, home.

And now I have to sell it.  And it might sell fast and I might be homeless.

(Pause for dramatic effect)

I wanted to wait until later in the spring to put my house on the market.  It would give me a bit more time to adjust to the idea of saying good-bye.  My realtor has helped me to see waiting, while my choice, is an unwise thing to do.  So it’s going on the market soon.

For my relationship time with Jesus, I started a chronological Bible-in-a-year program.  The morning I realized I’d have to market my house sooner than I thought, I had a minor freak out and began the book of Job.

The Lord gave me what I had,
    and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21b)

This very morning, I read:

They cling to their home for security, but it won’t last.
    They try to hold it tight, but it will not endure. (Job 8:15)

Oh yeah. My security was never in my house.  My home was a gift from God used to bless me and those he’s called me to serve.  Why do I think the future will be any different?

Thank you Father, for the gift of my home.  Let me hold it and all things loosely and so be ready to move when you call.