nomadism [(noh-mad-iz-uhm)]
A way of life in which a community has no permanent settlement but moves from place to place, usually seasonally and within a defined territory. For hunting and gathering societies, nomadism does not imply aimless wandering, but suggests an organized rotation of settlements to ensure maximum use of available natural resources.
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If I were to chose a word that describes the season that our family is in right now, nomadism would be it. It is like being on a permanent vacation... without the vacation. We pretty much live out of our car and travel every weekend. The transition has been difficult and tiring, but right now it is just the way things are. There are definately moments when I am ready to just quit (what I don't know, that is just the feeling I get!), hole up somewhere and through a pity party. But then God's beautiful, still-small voice whispers into my heart and I am reminded of some pretty amazing things.
First of all, what I am feeling He has experienced in a much larger scale. While I long for a physical home to settle into, Jesus left His heavenly home to come to earth because of His love for us. What I am feeling can't even compare to how His heart must have longed to return home. I am comforted by the fact that He knows the longings of my heart on a deeply personal level. I am also reminded that I should long for home- just not an earthly one. My longing for a home is perfectly natural because I was created for a heavenly home. I am a stranger on this earth (2 Peter 2:11), so it is only right that I long for my true home with God in heaven.
Second of all, He has given me far more than I need. We have a beautiful place to live during the week, ample places to go during the weekend, and abundant food, clothing and shelter. During this season we have never known what it means to want for physical needs. I am humbled by His care for our family and shamed by my selfishness in wanting more (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)!
Third, my family is amazing. Keith is such a constant reminder of God's strength to me- where I am weak, he helps me up. I look at Benjamin and can't help but smile. He is such a beautiful miracle and I am so thankful that the Lord gave him to us.
Fourth, our life is an adventure! I am reminded of the desire of our hearts to follow God wherever He may lead us. This is not hardship, it is an adventure! Who knows where we will end up next?
Thanks to all of our faithful blog readers for keeping up with us! We welcome your prayers for our family.
nomadism. (n.d.). The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved March 10, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nomadism
It's funny how the Lord gives us encouragement when we need it most. I've been praying the same thing. I long to know where I am going to be in the next few months. Sometimes I get so tired of uprooting my life every year. But, you're right...the Lord is truly amazing in his creativity. So, be encouraged that you're not alone in your feelings, and thank you for staying so positive. Say hi to Keith and Benjamin for me!
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