Expensive Places to Live

Today I learned that another friend is about to leave the city. She's selling her house and heading for Oregon. The cost of living in SF was the decision maker. This tale is too common and I'm getting tired of hearing it again and again. I'm saddened, but I also understand why. I mean, I'm not too far from the same decision. My family moved to the city because we see a need to represent Jesus here. We're His followers and we are compelled to live here, raise our kids here, and be part of the community of God's love here. I feel like I'm doing what I'm doing for all the right reasons, and yet I have so many unanswered questions and unmet expectations.
I was talking with a friend today and said, "You can sell a place in San Francisco and buy a better place almost anywhere in the world with the proceeds." If you made bank on your place, why wouldn't you sell it and move to a cheaper city? It looks good in your check book. But, then I wrestle with Jesus' perspective on money: you cannot serve two masters... As God's people we striving not to make our decisions first by money. It's first by obedience to God. But then the bottom line gets in the way, doesn't it?
I'm in a strange place. I feel more confident in God's love and power than ever. I am hopeful and energetic toward the present and the future. Mostly because I've seen it so powerfully in the past. I believe that great good can, should, and will be accomplished in Jesus' Name. Yet, I feel a sense of uncertainty too. More later. Living in Peace.