Today, I’m signing papers to list my house with a realtor.  And as I do that, I’m reminded that nothing I have is my own.

My dad came with me in 2008 when I got the keys to this house- my first house.  I’ll never forget walking into the center hallway, looking at all that God had given me, and bursting into tears.  I was so deeply grateful. And excited. And filled with peace. And not overwhelmed at all (though now I know I should have been).

Many times over the years, I’ve missed my 600 sq. foot studio apartment that was steps from the lake. I’ve pined after being a renter with zero responsibility, and getting to use my money for things besides water heaters.

But now, as I start the process of walking away from this house (hopefully!), I’m thinking about all the ways home ownership has blessed my life.

I’ve had to depend on neighbors, friends, family, handy-men, and my summer staff to step in and rescue me.  I’ve learned that I can’t actually take on the world, that best friendships can be born from home catastrophes, that you can fix most things with google and that I really like creating a place where people love to gather.

Last weekend, my friends gifted me with two full days of home improvement help to get my house ready to sell.  I have amazing friends.  Jay, Liz, Danae, Sara, Jodie, Jonathan (brother!), Tony, Jen, Baby Max and Josh: I can’t thank you enough. I love you guys and am so glad that we get to do this life together. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, they took me to my favorite Grand Rapids hang-out, Hopcat for the first of two birthday dinners.  And yes, we did order 5 plates of crack fries.  Every worker needs some crack fries, that’s what I always say…