Thursday, October 1, 2009

Entrusted with the Garden

We are now officially the innkeepers at B&B's Country Garden Inn. How incredible is that? We ended up meeting with the owner on Wednesday afternoon instead of Thursday due to scheduling conflicts, so we drove back into town a bit earlier than planned—which turned out to be just fine. She walked us through the house, shared the history of the inn, and explained how she likes to run things and care for her guests. Everything she shared resonated deeply with us. It all felt right.

One especially meaningful moment came when she asked where my ladies’ group meets. I told her we currently meet at a restaurant, and without hesitation she offered to let us meet at the inn instead. I hadn’t even asked—she brought it up herself. I then mentioned the Love and Respect group, and she was immediately supportive. Her perspective was that the more people who come through the inn, the more exposure and business it brings, so she views gatherings like these as a blessing and a form of marketing. The fact that she initiated this conversation felt like yet another clear confirmation that this opportunity is truly from God and exactly where we are meant to be. We are scheduled to move in on October 14th, once the current innkeeper relocates to Las Vegas after a job promotion. I am genuinely excited to see what God will do here.

Another very meaningful thing happened as well. While I was getting ready to leave the beach house, I received a phone call from a woman who had found my name on an old Womenade flyer. I haven’t been involved with Womenade in over two years and hadn’t received a call like this in a long time, so it immediately caught my attention. She shared that she had lost her job and was struggling. She needed gas for her car and diapers for her baby. I told her I would pass her information along to the woman currently overseeing Womenade.

Later that day, Tom and I were talking about finances and my birthday money—a check for $49. He asked if there was anything I wanted or needed. I mentioned I could use some jeans but could easily get a couple pairs at Goodwill. I assumed the money would just go into our account. But then another thought surfaced: What if I gave it away? What if this birthday gift was meant to bless someone else?

We’ve been reading so much lately about generosity—about people who give freely even when they don’t have much themselves. I realized that while I do enjoy giving, I still sometimes hold onto the mindset that what I receive is “mine,” driven by the fear that I might not have enough for myself. I want that to change. I want to live with the confidence that I already have everything I need, every day, because my Father knows and provides for my needs. And in that moment, I remembered the woman who had called earlier.

I knew instantly that God had sent her to me for this very reason. So I called her back and told her I would stop by later that day to help with gas and diapers. I also called CB to see if she had any food I could bring—and of course, she did. I was able to bring her food along with the other support.

Visiting her home was such a gift to me. It was the best birthday present I could have received. She has four daughters, ages ten down to two, and they are all incredibly sweet. What struck me most was their hunger to know more about Jesus. I told them that He sent me to them, that He is a dear friend of mine, and that He wants to be their friend too. They asked so many thoughtful questions, and I was more than happy to answer. The only Bible they had was a King James Version, so I showed them how to use Bible Gateway to read other translations. They were lonely, hungry for connection, and so grateful for the time together. They don't have many friends or visitors so just my visit in itself was a treat for them. I left deeply blessed and praying that the Lord would water the seeds that were planted.

It feels like we are stepping into a brand-new season. I am eager to see what the Lord will do—both through us and within us—at the inn and beyond.

Lord, I pray that You would go before us and lay the foundation for the ministry You desire in this place. May Your Holy Spirit dwell richly and powerfully within these walls. Let all who enter the inn leave changed because of You. Thank You for the privilege of serving You in this way. We surrender our plans and ask for Your will—not ours—to be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.