The joy of being left out.

Ben was approved for a delayed vicarage next year which means we are not going anywhere for the time being. It is such a relief to us to be able to stay here. I can keep working, the kids can have some stability, Ben will get to finish up his course work, and we don't have to move to some far region of the country only to move back in another year.

I am definitely glad that Ben was approved for the delayed, but can't help feeling a little left out here lately. Most of the other 2nd year seminary families are bursting with expectation because on Monday night they will find out what the next year will entail. They are packing their bags, welcoming family in for the big event, and dreaming of far off locales.

Again - let me emphasize that I don't want Ben to go on vicarage next year. It was the absolute best decision for our family to stay here, we love our new house, we found a great place for Connor to go to kindergarten, and we have known since January what the next year will bring us. It was a comforting thing. We are joyful that we will get to see our friends that are returning from vicarage next year and that we will get to spend time with them.

I just feel a little left out. As such, I have made myself a list, in no particular order, of all the reasons that it is great to stay in Fort Wayne for one more year.

1. Five Guys
   
2. Lynne Beardsley (she gets me)
   
3. Confessional Lutheranism (Fort Wayne is lousy with it)
4. Walther Library
5. Fall
6. Living next door to Target
7. The Graduate Assistant's for next year (they are awesome)

Yes, I feel left out of the loop and on Monday night I will be a little sad that we don't have any exciting news, but I also have joy because I know that next year we will have a great opportunity to build on old friendships and get one year closer to Ben getting a call.

God's blessings to all of our friends that will get their big news on Monday.