ripe.

before i moved here, i envisioned so many things. i collaged a picture of virginia with a thousand images i have collected in life. half of them, no known origin.

i saw rolling hills filled with trees of gold, amber, and ruby leaves. farms and beautiful old steeples. i saw wooden buckets overflowing with fresh apples.  our home was cozy, a fire was burning, and we indiscriminately invited people in to love and to cook for.  my artistic vision was revitalized by beautiful imagery composed by my surroundings. pumpkin spice lattes ad cognac-colored boots were with me at all times and scarves hung always around my neck. the heavy breath of autumn permeated the air as my mind was entrenched in red and orange nostalgia.
the season of weather changed, coinciding with my own seasonal change within my soul. the fruits of the Spirit were ripe for the harvest.
it is the autumn of my dreams and the air smells of cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with hope and adventure. i have long awaited this point in my life. the moment where God finally asks me to move to my unknown and i find myself following Him. and so, i realized yesterday that i do believe God. i really do. why else would i move across the country, penniless (relatively), and without a “real adult” secure plan? why would i leave my best friends in the whole world and my loving, comforting family?  it wasn’t for the fall leaves and the picture of virginia i just detailed to you. but it was because i believe in Jesus and everything He says. And in a new way, as something i have never experienced, these thoughts were utterly refreshing to me.

all these minor details in my vision can still weave themselves throughout my new environment. but ultimately, i’m here because Jesus has called us. Us. my husband and i. and really, there is nothing better. really. and oh my am i thankful.