Living Small to Live Big

“Comparison robs us of the joy of obedience. When you feel small, know that the inconspicuous tasks are building big things that we can’t see yet.” -Jennie Allen

God’s call on my life to live small to live big is pretty new in the making. 

But, I don’t think I would have realized what God wanted to do in my life, if I hadn’t spent time over the last few years in life-on-life community with others. This community is dedicated to falling more in love with Jesus, practicing spiritual disciplines and to urge one another on in our journey to be more like Jesus. Another practice we’ve gained over the months is immediate obedience. Scary huh? 

Don’t worry, it’s not like a phone call inviting us to move to Africa for the summer. That’s an entirely different blog post. 

Immediate obedience can only be achieved if you’re spending time with God regularly. The more time you spend with him, the more in tune we are to his plan for us, and what he needs us to do.

Over the last year, he's been calling our family to go small. He’s made it clear to us. He wants us to go small, to live big. 

We’re not entirely sure where this will end up, but as we have begun walking in obedience, this call is clear. He’s directing our steps, and we follow. 

This is only God. I know this because some of the things we are doing, we would never do otherwise.

Most recently, he’s calling us to move. Still nearby, but a different, smaller house, new neighbors, schools, etc. 

It’s scary. 

I’m walking away from a huge garden I love. And I’m okay with that. 

I’m saying goodbye to neighbors who I care deeply for. And somehow I am peaceful about it.

I’ve let go of furniture, antiques and more that I love! And I haven’t even flinched. 

My kids are excited and ready. They actually want to move and are ready for new friends, and neighbors. It shouldn’t be this easy, with a teen and a preteen… shouldn’t there be a fight in this?

God is the only explanation I have for this. 

Our family is clinging to these verses, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

So we are moving. We're packing up. We're selling more than half of our stuff, and we're crazy anxious for what's next.

We believe less walls and yard work will result in more time and adventures together. The exciting part? We know this is only the beginning. Who knows what God will lead us to next. 

This living small thing might just be the best thing that's ever happened to us.