And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7
Only God could know the work that was sure to crop up in my life by moving me out of a place that was full and familiar to a place that is new and scary. For almost 30 years, I called Tyler, Texas my home. I adored everything about it and so many of the people in it. I loved my church, my friends, my family, my doctors. All of it. As I drove through town, so many places held memories for me. I had history there, people knew me, and it was a rare occasion for me to go anywhere and not see a familiar face smiling back at me. I knew the struggles people had faced, the accomplishments they'd made, and the legacies they'd left, both good and bad. It was my home. My scene. My life.
It wasn't until God moved me out of that familiarity that I realized how much He desires my dependence on Him. There have been more than a few moments since The Big Move that I've cratered under the feelings of being unknown.
On the one hand, fighting a very public breast cancer battle in Tyler was difficult, but on the other, I knew that place had my back. Sure, I've always trusted the Lord, but it is so much easier when you have a network of people who can walk alongside you. But, what about when you don't. What then?
This new season and new chapter has been so rewarding and refreshing. God has convicted my heart on so many levels. He's forced me to remember that my identity is in Christ and not in any other relationship or involvement. He's allowed me to empathize with those who have no one. He's given me the challenge of being a friend to the friendless.
But, it grieves my heart that it took me until now to feel what the lonely feel. To use the words of my kidding sister, "I don't need another friend. I've already met my quota", has so often been my motto. Sick, right?!?
So, here I am in a new place, meeting new people, and being a new kinda girl. I'm no longer that Tyler girl who was perfectly content in my contained little life with plenty of friends and plenty of opportunities for fun. No. Now, God is teaching me to be a friend, to truly love, and to show His kindness to all those I encounter. I'll keep you posted on how this all works out. But, for now, this is what I know for sure, wherever we are, we are to love with the kindness and gentleness of the Savior, whether that be in our comfort zone or 428 miles away (but who's counting :) from it.
May the God of all hope prompt your heart along with mine to love richly today. It's the only thing that counts.
Lindsey Pond
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