middle of nowhere

This summer I've done a lot of traveling.  Driving from place to place is a strange to me at times.  I can step into a car somewhere familiar and when I step out I am somewhere completely new.  Every good road trip involves certain things, road signs counting down the miles left, quality music playing throughout the car, and friends to share it with. However, the beginning and ending are not what I am thankful for, it is that middle point, the point of no return.

On every road trip there is that point where you have gone so far that you know you aren't going to turn back, you've taken that step and the only option is to continue on to your destination.  It is a settling feeling, knowing that old place is long gone and you are on your way, along with a feeling of excitement, knowing that you will soon be at your destination, a new place.

Moving to the city about a month ago has brought me to this place and the Lord is teaching me to be thankful in that middle place.  I have left my old home, what I knew, heading to a new home, what is unknown.  I don't mean a new place physically like a town or city, but a new life, a new calling, a new purpose, not different but refined.

I am not sure what that new place is going to look like.  I have ideas that the Lord is given me before I left, however I know I have not arrived there yet. I am in the middle of nowhere surrounded by miles ahead and miles behind. As I look out the car window I see signs telling me I am closer with each and every step I take, however I am still traveling.  And traveling is what I am meant to be doing, working my way down the road, continuing to move.

Although I am far from the beginning and far from the end, the Lord is there with me, in the signs, in the music, in the friends.  For that I am thankful in this place of nowhere.  In the middle of nowhere, exactly where I am supposed to be.      

here

I live in the city now.
I am sitting in an independent coffee shop. People watching.
My bike has a flat tire. I still ride it.
I swear I have seen the girl sitting across from me before.
The place is overflowing with people.
I love the city.

I am thankful for the people of the city.  As I was riding my bike this morning I watched all the people I passed and realized how much I love it.  People living together, working together, sharing life together, being together.

I have been watching a large group of people in the corner of the coffee shop.  They all look like they are from different walks of life.  Some are old, some young, a few are more relaxed, while others full of energy.  They don't look like they belong together, but they have been talking for the past hour and it doesn't look like it will end soon.   They all have a connection.  I wonder if they are friends from life or know each other purely from this coffee shop.  A simplistic experience of place that connects them. Truth be told, it really doesn't matter.  I love how they connect, share and live.

I am thankful for the personality of the city.  I truly have a heart for it and love seeing people everyone. It is such a blessing to be able to hear different languages, see different colors, feel different emotions, enjoy difference.  Seeing the difference constantly reminds me of the glorious beauty in the different.  The vision that God created, the ART right before my eyes.

I still have no job.  I still have no specific direction.  I took a step of faith.  I am meant to be in the city. I love the art it creates.