on parsonages

i have been woefully absent on this blog lately. much has been happening all around, and i've wanted to write about it. but i simply haven't been able to focus on one thing. power was restored to my house (after two weeks without it), most order has been restored to the area where i live. the cleanup continues but will for quite a while. the way people have come together and helped each other has been inspiring and impressive to see. i'm hoping the reaching out in compassion will become more of a rule and less of an exception.

one of the truly interesting things about being a pastor is living in a parsonage. of course all pastors don't live in parsonages, and within united methodism parsonages seem to be going extinct in favor of housing allowances. good arguments can be made either way. i know some people who really dread the idea of living "in someone else's home.' but, i also have friends outside the ministry who are constantly knocked down that i just get a house for free. and i have been extremely fortunate in the two homes i've been given.

neither has been extravagant. no jacuzzi tub or swimming pool. at the same time, both have been more than i need in a house in terms of space. both have had great yards and either a patio or deck. i've been able to have a music room and an office in each while also having a spare bedroom (like i said, lots of room for just a guy and his dog). the houses have seemed to balance each other out. while the one i'm in now has a garage (which i've always wanted and love!) the house in alabama had great trees in the yard while i now only have one (thanks to the ice storm). the tie might go to the current parsonage simply because there is a front porch - another thing i've always wanted. the other night, i sat out on it while it was raining. there's just something about being outside but being slightly covered that i've always liked.

so yeah, who knows what i'll live in next? but so far, i have been very lucky with what i've been given.