Location, Location, Location!!!

I recently bought my first place. When I started the house shopping process, I had no idea how long it would take. I was in no rush, but eager to begin this new chapter of my life. I found that every homeowner I spoke to had their own specific list of the "must haves" when house shopping. I began to relate this (duh) to my dating life and my own personal list. When shopping for a partner, what are the "must haves" and what are the things you are willing to drop the price on?

At first, I looked at homes. But looking at my pay stub (I work for a non-profit) and the amount of effort it would take to make a house a home, I soon realized that a house's potential was far too much energy that I wanted to put in. So, I had to renegotiate my list and decided that it wasn't so much as what, but where. I have always said that the most important #1 item on the list is "Christian, Christian, Christian!!!" It's easy for me to lose sight of this when I see what is on the market. He's Christian, but no ambition, Christian but SO not ready to commit, Christian but has major anger issues... once one sees what is on the market, one can be easily persuaded against investing.

Without realizing it, my list had changed. I went out with a guy several times last month with a great heart, clear goals and ambitions, but no love for Jesus. (This abruptly ended with the abstinence conversation though.) I had to remind myself that God not only cared about the perfect house for me, but that He also cares about who I make a home with.

It took one month short of a year before I found the right townhouse. So it's not a house, it has no backyard, and I can spit on my neighbor's balcony. But it's beautiful, has a washer and dryer, and room for a family one day--and in the perfect location that I wanted. Better still, it didn't need to be fixed up. (That is a whole other sermon in itself!) I viewed and even put offers on several places in this very same complex, but none were quite right. Once I gave up and told Him I am blessed no matter what, He orchestrated the right deal at the perfect time--and better than I had imagined.