When we moved from Colorado to Nebraska 12 years ago, we were so excited to get a really large house for a really good price. It’s not a new house – as a matter of fact, it’s over 100 years old. But there’s plenty of room for our boys to run around, invite all their friends to run around, fill up with company, and do all that we love to do with others in our home.
It’s also really hard to heat, has crazy plumbing issues, and gets cob-webby very easily. We won’t focus on those disadvantages. No house is perfect. But God gave us this home, and we love it (while wearing many layers during the winter months).
One of the biggest blessings of owning our big home is the fact that we’ve been able to house extras from time to time. It’s been so neat to watch God put people in our lives who need a place to stay. We have an extra bedroom that is perfect for company – but even better for people who need to stay for an extended time.
That bedroom is tucked away in the “back” of our home, so our extended guests can have a little bit of their own space. People have stayed in that room for anywhere from six weeks to seven months at a time. We figure – if they are brave enough to move in with our (loud, crazy, busy) family – they are more than welcome to stay as long as they need.
From college students, to a widow in transition, to a friend in crisis, to guys needing a place to stay before they get married – it’s been so great to see who God moves in. We’ve lived here 12 years, and God has moved 8 people into that room for one reason or another. These guys and gals have blessed us so much!
The young man we have living with us now has become like a beloved son to us. He gets married in December (yay!) so moves out the end of this month (sniff). For some reason, he and his bride have decided to get a place of their own after their wedding (ha!). He is a fabulous role model for our sons. We are so blessed.
God is so good to fill our lives with people to love and serve. In His constantly perfect way, He makes our service to others an even bigger blessing to us. I love how He works.