Housing Update

HOUSING UPDATE:

Learning to “go with the flow” and joyfully accept the Lord’s leading is something I am getting better at… slowly. Living in this period of transition, our family is learning to be flexible, and adapt to the various circumstances we find ourselves in. We are rejoicing in God’s leading, even if it is different from what we had planned at the start. It is one thing to say God knows what is best, and it is another thing to truly mean that from the heart—particularly when the things God does look different from our master plan.

With regard to our home, we have been earnestly praying over the past couple months that the Lord would allow it to sell. Almost two weeks ago, we believed the Lord had answered that prayer when we accepted a very good offer. As with the sale of any home, there are many issues that can arise during the due diligence period (and beyond) that can derail the sale, but we knew the Lord was in control and would certainly lead in the process. Unfortunately by the end of last week, we learned that the buyers were going to walk away from the contract due to concerns they had with our septic system. The system, though older, has always functioned perfectly for our family of 6, but the buyers (who were a young couple), were concerned enough with the prospect of having to replace it that they withdrew the contract.

Of course, this was not part of our plan. But, as I said at the start, I am learning to “go with the flow” and joyfully accept God’s will. So, when we learned that the buyers would walk, I decided to list our home on Craigslist as a rental. Within an hour of listing the home we received two calls from people who wanted to see it. Over the next two days we received more calls inquiring about the property. A very sweet couple (with twin 8-year old girls) came and looked at the house on Monday night, and within two hours we had an application, and this morning we have a signed lease. We are very thankful for God’s leading!

Although our initial plan was to sell the home, God apparently had a different one. Selling the home, certainly, would have yielded the immediate benefit of an infusion of cash, however, the long-term benefits will certainly outweigh the short-term ones. First off, we will receive a substantial amount every month above our mortgage, and insurances. Unlike our other properties (we still own two other rental properties in Elkton, Maryland), there will be a positive cash flow from this home from day one. Second, we will not have to figure out where to store some of our belongings. In our lease we have reserved ¼ of our shed (this amounts to about 200+ sq. ft.) for storage. Third, we get to establish a relationship with a very nice family. They were even asking for recommendations of churches in the area (since they knew I pastored here for some time). I enjoy getting to know (and ministering to) the tenants in our rental properties. It is an added blessing.

In all, we are thankful that the Lord has clearly led our family. Our tenants will be moving in on November 15. We will be away until October 25 (at a Missions Conference in Baltimore this week and then on Saturday flying out to Colorado for 10 days). So, when we return it will be a whirlwind of packing, selling some furniture and belongings, and getting ready to move.

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement during this season of our lives. The Lord is good, and the path He leads us on is full of grace and peace.