Loving when it's messy

I have this dream that started stirring up in my heart about two years ago.  With time, the desire to make it a reality has increased. And though there are practical obstacles in the way at the moment, the biggest one has been my heart. I've been challenged.

So here's the dream: to have an extra bedroom in my home for people in transition. Maybe someone who's had some bad luck and has nowhere to stay while they're in-between jobs or the like.  A place where they could come and be part of a family - not a perfect family, but a family nonetheless - where they could have room to breathe, be loved, be strengthened. A place where they can get back up on their feet and go out and fight the world again.

But here's the thing about dreams: they're generally rose-tinted.  

Reality on the other hand tends to be messy. And messy is uncomfortable. 

I recently read a book called Kisses from Katie. I highly recommend everyone reads it because it is a testament to the faithfulness of God to do wondrous things with what we have and are willing to give Him. Today. Right where we're at. Regardless of financial position, the home you live in, the car you drive; all those things we think are important. Reading Katie's story confirmed my dream for me. 

I don't want my faith to be about going through the ritual of going to church on Sunday, meeting on Wednesdays for Bible study, and then doing it all again next week. Those things are so important in the life of a Christian. But there's more to this walk with Christ.

My life has to be more about Him and less about me.  It has to be more about who He is and so much less about what I want.

I want to do what Jesus says.

We're living in a world filled with broken and damaged people. I am one of them. But I have been redeemed by grace! And though I'm not whole yet, He has done wonderful things in me. I'm so grateful Jesus interrupted my life because He cares about me. Because He thought I was worth it, my messy and uncomfortable is now a testimony of His goodness and faithfulness. 

That's part of why He came isn't it? For the broken and damaged? And surely He's called us so that we could be more than just comfortable? So we can show His heart?

I want to get uncomfortable. And you?

PS: The Scripture card I've created can be clicked on and saved as an image which you can then print and put up wherever you'll be encouraged to read it and, most importantly, memorise it. I've tried to make it pretty because I'm a real girl that way. I hope you'll find it a helpful resource.

I want to thank you for taking the time to comment. Each time you do, I recognise you're leaving a piece of yourself here and it blesses my heart so. Thank you so much.