The Presten's & A Complicated Balancing Act

This week I have been distracted with our sweet friends, the Presten family (Zach, Bethany & Selah)! About 5 months ago they moved to London, England. It was incredible to watch them as they trusted Father God to take care of their needs and open doors, all while Bethany was in the last few months of their first pregnancy. They're call to share the Gospel and move forward with the vision God has given them to bring the Kingdom is so inspiring! I encourage you to check them out, see what they are doing to make a difference in our world- it is HUGE! Click HERE!

Bethany & I with baby Selah: Their sweet little girl! 

Bethany is from here, she has family and SO many people that no doubt want to see her, but yet she still has made an effort to get together and include us in things that are going on. I know how it is to go home and feel so conflicted with the little about of time you have and how many people there are to see, people that you truly love. I have been honored by her effort to connect.

I consider Bethany one of my besties, here in GA, despite the move to London, so it is a beautiful thing to have her back in the area, to just simply know she is here. What is even better is to see that she genuinely cares to stay connected!

I personally know how hard finding balance can be. The balance of staying connected and giving family, extended family and friendships that you consider to be family the time they each desire and deserve. It is extremely hard. I am proud of how she is handling it all, and with a brand new baby, 5 hour time difference and jet lag. This friend of mine is a super woman, the key I believe; she is totally filled with the Holy Spirit!

Dinner @ Fancy Q's: Junior & Zach & Selah Presten!

I watch her as I to prepare to go home for the 4th of July, the last time I was home was almost 8 months ago. Every time it is hard, how do you see everyone you love in less than a full week? How do you invest the quality time they each deserve? My family taught me that family doesn't always mean blood. I grew up playing with foster kids as cousins and families that had adopted children. I grew up in a family that had such a gift for hospitality and open doors. I am beyond thankful for this mindset, but it also makes it more complicated at times.

As always I feel I may just be rambling, but in most situations in life, I find it is often about finding the balance and discerning what is best for your spirit and your spouse.  And most importantly finding the places and spaces that honor God in your life, being obedient to what He is calling you to do. Some days I have no idea what this looks like....

So for now I am thankful for the Presten's, what they mean to our family and what they mean to my Father in heaven. Next week, perhaps I will try and prepare for the complexities of not living where a lot of my loved ones live and figuring out the balancing act of investing in each of them.

blessings to you as you find the balance in your own life!

Natasha