It’s been nineteen days since we last locked the front door of our family home for the past seven years. This is the only house that our kids can really remember, with so many memories made over family dinners, movie nights, playing in the hose, small groups, baking in the small kitchen, and youth ministry events. It was bittersweet, to say the least, and we a had a full on family cry session in one of the kid’s rooms before taking a picture and saying “goodbye house” one last time. Bittersweet, because it was a clear directive from the Lord, but we still don’t know our next landing place. Nevertheless, we are committed to “faithing,” or living by faith in the waiting.For now, He has provided through the kindness, generosity, and hospitality of His other kids. Yes, the three main pillars, or things that we want us Balogh’s to be known for, are the three things that God has lovingly lavished on us through friends and family. So far, in the last nineteen days, we have had a check written to us, been handed cash, gifted two different vacations (back-to-back no less), and have been hosted for overnights with six different families. All families with packed schedules, work, and kids of their own; and we have been more than graciously invited to add a family of six to their lives. We are absolutely blown away by the family of God showing us tremendous love. We have enjoyed late night conversations, coffee, laughter, meals, games, and so many more life long memories that I will never forget. Children of God, stand up and take a bow, I applaud you, and I’m eternally thankful!Full disclosure…it’s also been hard.

As a natural introvert who loves to have large amounts of alone, quiet time, and my own space to do it in, it’s been tough to be in “other people’s” space. Oh, and it’s definitely not you, it’s a me thing. This is simply another in a seemingly endless list of idols that God is putting to death in me. Pride. I would much rather be the provider of kindness, generosity, and hospitality than the receiver, it feels easier, and I feel better about it. These are the things we are preaching to our kids daily, and it’s been both humbling and fun to point out where we have been on the receiving end. Humbling, because it’s been hard to receive rather than being the one who can provide it. It’s a slowing down for our family to be filled to overflowing with the things we so often try to pour out for others. God is sweet to us that way, and we are grateful.In addition, I have struggled with the margin that has been in my life. Balancing the call of Pastoral ministry, the desire to do it, the need for an extended sabbath rest, and the restlessness that it has brought with it has felt like a tightrope walk without a safety net. Do I take the year off of work as I chase life dreams of writing and potential business ventures? Or do I work outside the church ministry field as I write and entrepreneur on the side? It’s as if I’m eager to step onto the wire so that I’m at least “doing something,” and at the same time terrified to step out without a safety net below me. Or is there a safety net, and I just don’t see it yet? Needless to say, there’s tension. I know that I am to write, though I’m still not certain what. So, I will continue to chronicle my personal story as the germination of an idea continues to work its way from my head to my heart. I do know this, for me to write, is right, and if you think of it, please be in prayer for my efforts. There is a great resistance I feel each time I sit to put pen to page, or finger to key. Yet, still, I press on…

Perhaps, this is a season of extended sabbath rest, filling, and recalibration for the purpose of ministry later on down the road. Or, maybe the rest is the ministry to us and others in and of itself. The Lord knows, though I only see in part, I trust Him. In the meantime, your prayers, and continued kindness through words of affirmation and encouragement means the world. Please keep them coming. Another way you can support is through your readership, and guess what, if you’ve gotten this far, then thank you! You can also share my posts, follow my blog, and/or tag others that you think would receive something they need by reading it. I pray that even the smallest part of our/my story will inspire you to hear the voice of the Lord, and obey. Though it is often scary, and to others may look foolish, I promise there’s no better way to live.

Until next time friends…

Josh