Anyone who knows me, knows that typically (besides my kids) we have other people living under our roof. I have people ask, "do you ever just get tired of having someone extra in your home?" The answer... NO! As crazy as it may have been at the time, I can look back on every single one and see God's hand. We each had our own special time that we spent together and traditions that started. As I embark on my next "kid" story this week, I began thinking and trying to figure out where I learned that it was okay to open up my home and let people in. Growing up.. it was just my parents, my sister, my brother and me. Then, it hit me...it was always that way - except for that one summer! I was maybe 14/15 years old, and we had a girl come to our door selling books. I remember my mom inviting her in, then asking her to stay for dinner. The next thing I knew y'all... my mom was inviting her to move in for the summer. I was horrified! How could we let someone we knew nothing about move into our home? But.. we did. And more importantly - how dare she get some of MY attention from MY mom? I mean really... didn't she have her own? Looking back now, I know that my mom was showing me it was okay to open up your home and prepare me for things later in life, and there was plenty of love to go around. But - I did NOT see it that way at the time. She was preparing me for other plans the God had for me! I had no idea at the time, the impact that one summer would have on my life, and the number of young adults I would have in my home over the years.
Whether they are young 20 somethings who simply need a chance to get their feet under them, or if they are younger kids who just need a safe place to hang out for a bit... my door was and always is open. As they have moved in our home, there have always been rules in place - 1) you must go to church, 2) you must let me know where you are and I will get to know your friends and 3) you must participate as part of the family. I have had multiple kids in and out of our home over the last 10 years, and each of them leave a lasting impression on my heart! You see, once you move in - you're FAMILY! Tomorrow, we will venture into the next phase of kids moving in our home, and we are SUPER excited! We love him already, and can't wait to see what God is going to do in our lives!
