When we moved to Austin, I didn’t rush to find a job. We needed the structure that came with food on the table every night and laundry done every day, and the sameness of those two things. During those months, I had a little more time on my hands, and I really enjoyed getting my guys off to work and school, filling my travel mug with hot coffee and then getting in the car and exploring our new city. Some days, I drove around all morning, weaving in and out of neighborhoods filled with homes and apartments of every imaginable style.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalm 91:1
I had lived in my home town so long that I felt like I knew each quadrant pretty well, some like the back of my hand. Just mention an address, and I could instantly picture the street sign, the names of the parallel streets, and the businesses situated at the nearest major intersection.
Now, it was all new. No familiar street names. Businesses I’d never heard of. Restaurants with menus I hadn’t yet memorized.
I loved those mornings, and I always came home with a sense of wonder. Who lived in those houses? What in the world did the people who lived in those massive mansions do for a living? I wondered what the houses looked like inside. How were they decorated?
There was a time when I might have wanted to live inside one of those mansions.
But somewhere along the way, I’ve learned – it’s not about where you live – it’s all about where you dwell.
There’s a difference.
I live where my clothes are hung, but I dwell where I place my thoughts.
I live where I put on my makeup, but I dwell where I wash away my fears.
I live where I lay my head to sleep, but I dwell where my weary soul finds rest.
What about you? Do you live inside four beautiful walls but dwell in a prison of insecurity? Are you afraid you will never have the home of your dreams – or do you sleep well, knowing the God of the universe knows your every need?
Here’s the good news:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Mansion or molehill, house or apartment, large or small, I love exploring the streets of Austin, looking at them all, and picturing what it would be like to live inside. But in my heart, I know. It’s not where we live that matters. It’s all about where we dwell.
Encouraging intentional adventure and dwelling in His shelter,
PS – If you’re here in Austin on vacation or for a conference, take a drive around the hills off Capital of Texas Highway (360), or maybe around the hills after you eat at The Oasis. You’ll see some of the most amazing real estate in all of the Lone Star State.
