The journey begins

The discussion with the company for this overseas position started late in the summer.

My August 22 journal included this prayer:  “Lord, you have allowed us to build deep roots in West MI.  You know.  I am prepared to leave Rockford, however, since this a business move (vs. a ministry move) I need You to make this crystal clear.  Too much is at stake for our family and relationships to be disrupted without You making this clear and providing affirmation.  I don’t think this request is unreasonable.  I want to be obedient.  Please be glorified in the next steps.  I want You.  Amen.”

Over the course of the following month the Lord affirmed the move.  We don’t know why.   It doesn’t make sense.  On many levels.  We have no idea if the reason is for Sherri or me…or connected to our future…or for another relationship connection with our children…or to simply step into the furnace for a period of time.  In either case, we no longer want “playing it safe” to be a primary family value.   We want to be obedient.

Within a day of writing the above prayer in my journal, a good friend sent me this note “it is both our opportunity and our obligation to pursue His unique plan for each one of us within the body of Christ”.  Yes, it is.

What if we truly understand how much more fulfillment and depth we can get in this life if we obediently follow Him?

What if we truly understood the depth to which our good Lord loves us and is desperate for relational intimacy?  And is willing to allow pain and difficulty as a means to whisper to us so that we would draw near to Him?

Given my overseas geography these next few years, this blog will primarily be an opportunity to 1) share life reflections and communicate with my children and small group friends about what is real and important and going on inside me; and 2) serve as an opportunity for me to keep my mind on the Holy Spirit’s whisperings and on “things above”.  The theme of “what if” will hopefully cast vision for a better future…because hope and faith can be a powerful mixture.  A mixture that is part of our future in Christ.