Sitting in my sunroom in the late afternoon I can hear Montgomery’s trains in the northern industrial area running. In a while the bugle sounds and National Anthem will signal the end of the day at Gunter/ Maxwell Air War College just down the road. Neighbors on my street ease their vehicles along our shared alleyway that adjoins our properties at the back of our houses. Several have stopped to introduce themselves and welcome me to The Timbers community.
People watch out for one another, it appears. They notice who is coming and going. Many have cameras on their property as well as the homeowners’ (voluntary) association having cameras at the three parallel street entrances that define our neighborhood. It feels neighborly….. and safe.
Peace, contentment, security, and significance…. defined by being in Christ and being among the people and consecrated for the purpose to which I believe God has called me. The fact that it now spans two communities in two states doesn’t seem to matter. The distractions and obstacles are fewer. The joy is greater. Repeatedly over the years I have heard God say, “I called you to a people and a purpose, not a place.”
I have loved and enjoyed every home in which I have ever lived. And I have discovered that having that kind of satisfaction lies in knowing that the place is not the focus. Each place has always been adequate. What was most needful has been that the time and place suited the people and the purpose.