This morning's sermon had some really interesting stuff in it. It was a call to action to get out of our comfort zones and pay attention to evangelizing those around us. Nothing new, there, I know - but some of the statitics were interesting that they reviewed. In a 3-mile radius of our church building:
Most households are of the traditional married, two parent families
The average age is 34.8 (younger than the national avg of 37)
College graduates account for 62.5% (as compared to 24.4% in the US)
84% are white collar workers
1.6% unemployment
Avg. household income $123,289.

As I reflected on these stats, I remembered back to the days when I was longing to move away from here. Early in our marriage I constantly begged to move back to Texas, to live in a less expensive economy, to be nearer my mom and sisters. While those were all good reasons to move....however, there were some really strong reasons to stop and think about raising my family in THIS environment. I was becoming more and more aware that elsewhere in this country the expectation is NOT necessarily for one to go to college...unemployment rates are much higher...and while housing is cheaper...incomes are not nearly what they are/can be here. We have obviously made it quite well...and that's even with my not working full time for the majority of my children's lives.

I agonized over the worry that my kids wouldn't be raised around a whole bunch of other Christians...so we moved to the Fairfax Church - specifically so my kids would have a youth group and mentors. I believe that paid off in a big way. They have great memories of church activity and involvment, mission trips, friendships...and most importantly a "church home". It was a committment I made to my kids and it was probably the single most important one I ever made.

Tim once told me that if we hadn't gone to Fairfax - then he'd probably never gone to ACU - and would really have missed out on that portion of his life.

So much of what we do and decide impacts a lifetime....especially for our kids.

So, while I DO regret not being closer to my mom - she knows I love her and we have a good relationship.

I Don't regret that each of my kids experienced a great youth group and church family
I Don't regret that each one went to college - and finished !
I'm proud to be living in the capital of the nation - amongst people who are smart, intelligent and invigorating. (My mom taught me the importance of that - that's why we left WV and didn't raise the kids there).

It's expensive, busy, crazy at times....but we are so blessed to be here....
Yes - I still LOVE Texas - but I really do think God kept me here for some reason. (Sorry, God - I really fought you tooth and nail didn't I?) It has made my kids who they are today....it has opened doors of insight and understanding within myself about God and His church via the wonderful family of God at Fairfax...the diversity here has made me more tolerant and understanding of so many other cultures - and helped me be less judgemental as to traditions and manners of living and worship.

Haven't given up on living in Texas again someday - maybe when I'm an old withered up widow.... or maybe by some miracle Steve might even come with me (oops, I was just dreaming there for a minute - never!)...we'll see!