Investing...

I was mulling over some interesting thoughts this morning. I was thinking about how it can be hard to invest in friendships when you know there's a good chance that this person only be in your life for a short time.

The city that I live in here is very international because of the university. I've made a lot of friends who come from all different parts of the world and many of those friends are not here permanently. I have one friend in particular whose husband is here finishing his doctorate and we became quick friends. They are here on a Fullbright scholarship so from the outset it was only likely to be a one year adventure. Her husband recently accepted a job back in the States next year. I'm pretty sure part of me had been somewhat hoping he might end up with a postdoc here so they could stay because saying goodbye is hard! They are here still for a few months but it's difficult to avoid thoughts of our goodbye. It's hard not to unconsciously pull away from the friendship to spare yourself future pain, but I know God would not have me do that.

I want to clarify before you read this next part that I am extremely happy and blessed to be living here in Germany. I recognize that it is an amazing opportunity that many people are not able to have, so don't misinterpret what I say next into thinking I'm not grateful or happy, I am! Still, I was asking God why does He choose this for our family in particular and such different lifestyles for his children in general. We aren't as "Nomadic" as for instance, a military family (I am amazed at the strength of some friends who uproot every year) but we've had a good share of moves in our lifetime together. My children are experiencing a very different childhood than my own-my parents still live in the same house  that I was brought home to as a baby. My 9 year old, though, has lived in 6 different homes (6 different cities, 3 different US states, 2 countries).

Sometimes I just really long for a single home that we could own ourselves and stay in till we die. Goodbyes are tough and as hard as they are on anyone-as a parent you have to cope with your own sadness and the sadness of your children. It can be taxing. God's response was to remind me of our good friends-a family who has lived in the same house for 10+ years-and what he has asked of them. It started with opening their home for a house church to meet there and developed into God asking them to take in church members who needed a place to stay and then into taking in strangers and helping people live and grow until they can live on their own.   All manner of people now live there- if you come into their life and find yourself without a place to lay your head-they will offer their home, no matter how full it already is, no matter how stretched their budget, time, and spirit is-they will heed Gods call in Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home."

God let me know that if and when I am given a more permanent home He would require this of us. God has placed us all in unique positions and we are called to different sacrifices depending on our situations, but we are all called to mercy and love no matter where we are.

So whether I'm here for 3 more years, or 5, or forever, and no matter how long the people placed in my path will remain in my life: I'll continue loving them and investing in our friendship. I'll strive to call them into greater fellowship with God in whatever their unique position is in life.