Today, Carrie and I are clearing out and getting rid of stuff that we don’t use and don’t need. We commented at lunch about how we actually feel at home with less, meaning we are happier when stuff isn’t the focus and people are!

Settling back into Merced has been both exciting and difficult for both Carrie and me. This is what we expected though. We have less opportunity to be at some amazing mountain destination within five minutes like we did in Twain Harte, CA. We have some walking trails and a nice gym we are members of and Yosemite Lake near by where I can kayak, but it’s still just not nearly as dreamy a place to call home as far as the stuff of the town. That said, the people are amazing. We have been welcomed back with arms wide open and invited over and over again for dinner at various friends’ houses.

What has been dawning on me with this welcome is what a kindness it is that God has given His people each other in order ultimately to know His nearness and goodness in our lives.

Psalm 16 and 17 have been my comfort food from God’s Word lately. God is with us and cares for us. When we embrace that, we are increasingly ready to care for and encourage one another in that very same love of God.

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

– Torrey