5 Minutes: GROWING

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.


2. Link back here and invite others to join in.

You can read more 5 Minute Friday Essays at the gypsymama's blog. 
 
Today's theme is GROWING:
 
Looking back over my life, I've seen so many things grow ... my own spiritual life, my relastionship with my husband, my children - physically, spiritually, mentally, socially ... but I've also seen how I've actually GROWN though going backwards! 
 
How is that possible!?  Well, God has shown me that by weeding out distractions, my own will, and the American dream, we've actually GROWN in grace, GROWN in trust, and GROWN in reliance on God for pretty much EVERYTHING!!  I haven't always liked this journey because change and letting go is sometimes painful - but in the end, the GROWTH of my faith has brought me to a place of contentment (except when I get discontent!!!!). 
 
You see, if you don't know me, I'll explain it like this: 
We used to be an average American family.  My husband was in the military; we traveled all over America and Europe; we had a secure salary and medical "insurance"; we were working towards a retirement - we had an IRA; and while we attended church faithful, we pretty much just did whatever we pleased - went where we pleased - and bought what we pleased.  Not that those things are wrong - and I wish we had been better stewards of our time and resources when we actually had time!! 
 
But then God called - and my husband answered - and we entered full-time ministry at our local church.  Suddenly, we were "stuck" within the confines of the state we live in (not a state I'd ever dreamed I'd see, let alone LIVE IN!); our salary - even when I worked full-time - was cut in half; we have no retirement funds any more - we've given up contributing to our IRA when I quit my job to stay home with the baby; we don't have medical insurance though we do enjoy a health share plan that has paid for all the MAJOR medical needs we've had (like our daughter's c-section birth); and while our bills are covered, we are extremely reliant on God's provision if we ever have an emergency (transmission going out in our 16 year old car this summer!) or any "wants" ... While most people - and even our own family - told us we were CRAZY to give up our financial security, it is a choice my husband believed was OF THE LORD!   And He has proven Himself so faithful - despite my floundering faith occasionally - that I have pages of journal entries of how He has taken care of many of our needs and some of our wants too! 
 
So, yes, we've gone "backwards" by the world's standards ... but we have GROWN personally, as a family, as a couple, and most important in our faith.  And before you feel too sorry for us, I think this time of ministry is only temporary for us, unless God directs otherwise.  Hopefully, one day, our financial belts will be less tight - but I do not begrudge the lessons I've learned by going backwards for a few years. 
 
Every stage and phase of life can be an opportunity for growth ... no matter which direction it takes you!