When we first got married, Austin moved to Ann Arbor to join me while I finished my program. Living in Ann Arbor was so incredibly hard for countless reasons. We knew that once I graduated we would probably relocate. Moving back to Grand Rapids was always our plan. It seemed like the easiest option, and by far the most appealing.
Never, ever did we think we would find ourselves signing and dating papers for a house in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Recently, Austin and I bought an old farmhouse in Evart. Buying a house was a huge decision for us to make. We are planting roots in a place that has been home to us throughout several summers while working at SpringHill Camps. Regardless of the location of where we bought a house, we bought a house. It has been difficult to balance the excitement of buying a new house with feelings of guilt. Buying a house has highlighted our privilege in more obvious ways than before. Privilege allows us to live a comfortable life, and acknowledging that fact is so uncomfortable. Friends, we have a home that we want you to know you are always welcome in. Our home is a gift that we pray we can always use to provide hope, love, and comfort. Many of you have probably read this article, discussing the frequent Christian response of "I'm so blessed," to material good fortune. Scott Dannemiller ends with the following: So my prayer today is that I understand my true blessing. It's not my house. Or my job. Or my standard of living. No. My blessing is this. I know a God who gives hope to the hopeless. I know a God who loves the unlovable. I know a God who comforts the sorrowful. And I know a God who has planted this same power within me. Within all of us. And for this blessing, may our response always be, "Use me." I am grateful for the opportunity to buy a house. I am blessed to know and be known by a God who provides things a house can't. Use us God.
1 Comment
Steph Sytsema
9/18/2014 11:20:44 am
I love your heart, Haley--always have...always will. Blessings as God continues to use you both!
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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