The last few years, God has really been changing my heart when it comes to being independent. It's not all that it's cracked up to be. Our family has always had someone from the "outside" living with us. I think probably since my mom and dad bought this house there has only been about 2 years when no one else lived here too. That is pretty rad. We've had druggies and addicts, homeless and outcasts, aunts and random friends, those who loved Jesus and those who did by the time they left. My mom is such a great example of what it means to love people the way Jesus loves people - she could care less whether you are rich or poor or employed or have a good or bad rep. She will bend over backwards, sacrifice her time and resources, to make sure you are cared for. That's how I grew up. I have a bazillion horror stories I could tell about growing up here with all of these other people living here, but the good stories and the lessons I've learned would outnumber them a million to one.
Right now, I'm eavesdropping on the two other women who are living with us... And it is bringing me so much joy. This is how life should be: talking about the serious things, the conflicts, laughter, swapping stories of life lived at the Flanigan homestead, and talking about the dreams Jesus has given us. It is absolutely beautiful because this is all God. It's all about relationship - the good, the bad, and the ugly of community.
"Being independent doesn't mean doing it alone." - my mom. You guys, she is so incredibly wise. I don't know how I got to have a mom as great as she is. And I know you would all agree that she is pretty top notch...
But anyways. Why in the world would anyone ever want to live life on their own? Life is meant to be lived and shared together. I am so thankful that my mom has made this truth a reality in my life.
