Where I came from....

I remember the moment like it was yesterday- standing at the security gate at Hobby Airport. My best friend heading in back to California- me out the car to start my life in Texas. I hugged her neck and cried - for the journey, for the memories, for the unknown. At 25 I was starting over in a new place. 

Fast forward 4.5 years - that's how long I've lived in Texas. When I wasn't sure I would make it a week or a month or even  a year I made it 4.5. Or a little over. But who's counting anyways? I've built a life, built my career, trusted Jesus with everything I had and made friends that I know will last a lifetime. You might ask what happened to that California size dream I had? I tucked it away. I held the memories and the smells close but I tucked it away for another day, and prayed that one day God would give me the deepest desire of my heart. 

This past January my mom had open heart surgery and since I was home for Christmas I was able to extend my stay and see her through her surgery. Leaving her in ICU was hands down one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. 

After I returned I could slowly feel something changing inside. I kept thinking about our treasures in heaven vs. our earthly ones and how we tend to invest so much time and effort into the earthly treasures. But they fade. They disappear. A career, money, a title. All of those things disappear. And yet I realized I was chasing earthly treasures. At 28 I had been given my dream job but sometimes your dreams aren't all you thought they were going to be. I know sometimes we are called to a place for a season- not forever but just for a moment. And that's what my time in Willis is, a season. It's been a season of growth and frustration, and accomplishment and doubt. Even though I don't know the reason for this season I'm thankful for it. For the friendships and people along the way and the opportunities I've been given. 

So if I'm going to focus on heavenly treasures what does that look like? It looks like being there for the little moments of life - dinner with friends, birthday parties, playing Chinese checkers with my Grandma, going camping, celebrating a new baby. That in my mind is what Jesus meant by storing your treasure in heaven.  Investing in the Kingdom of God so that people in your life will see the one you call King. That you will be there for them no matter the season. 

What do you do when your faced with this life changing, life altering decision? You pray. And you listen and you seek wise council. And then you take one step out in faith- be brave and go for it. I've learned that the hardest part in life is that first step. But there is beauty and hope found in trusting Jesus. I know that He will make a way- and He will write the next story of my life so beautifully I will know it was penned by the hand of God. So right now with 20 applications out I'm headed home next month and I couldn't be more excited (and nervous!) 

I've fallen in love with Texas and its people but my soul belongs in California. I miss the mountains and the water and the cooler weather. So before I spend too much of my life chasing titles and my career I'm going home. To do the mundane everyday life things I've been missing out on. 

Like I always say it's easier to know where you are going when you can remember where you came from.