It is Friday, which means it is time for Five Minute Friday, a time for writers to virtually gather together, write hard for five minutes and then stop. We are here to learn and grow as writers, as people, as friends. Please join us!
This week, Kate’s word for us all is “World.” Ready?
GO
“We used to live on the other side of the world,” Jack commented over his breakfast Wednesday morning. Colorado might as well be on the other side of the world for this six year old who had just sat for 16 hours in the car, waiting waiting waiting to arrive at Grammy and Grampy’s house.
Denver does feel like a world away. As we pulled into Minnetonka Tuesday afternoon I found myself soaking in the life around me. I couldn’t help but point out my middle school, highschool, the neighborhood farmers’ market, and other old haunts to my apathetic children. This place, this town is beyond familiar, it is home. But having lived away for nearly a decade, it is strange and new.
I wondered as we drove down the highway, what if we had never left? What if we had never set out to follow this call to Denver Seminary, but instead had stayed where we were most comfortable? What if we had ignored the whispers and prompts in our souls to invest our lives in a crazy church called Scum of the Earth? What if we had not taken risks and explored?
I cannot even consider it. Though ten years is far longer than I ever wanted to stay – and I would not have left home if I would have known we would be gone for so long – I feel that my view of the world would be inadequate if I had stayed where I was comfortable.
Without spreading my wings, taking giant leaps that were beyond my strength or stamina, I would not have become friends with the wonderful goth, punk, crunchy, and homeless men and women in Denver.
Without saying yes and leaving our home, we would not have made friends with those other transplants to Denver – many who returned to their homes before us. Though their departures tore my heart out, they taught me the joy of third world countries, intercessory prayer, crying over coffee, and loving unconditionally.
I left this little world of mine to travel to the “other side” and I am back, changed. Now, more than ever I hope:
STOP
What do you think of the world? Have you been able to venture out much? Where has God called you?
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. – Jesus (John 17:18)
The other side of the world already misses you. Write more about how you’re different now for all the experiences in Denver, please.
I’m working on it. Crazy journey this life.
Leah, so much truth here. Sometimes we do just need to spread our wings don’t we? Blessings on this new adventure!
Thank you, Tara!