We spent the day a week ago Saturday moving what we hope is our last big load of boxes and collapsed on the couch Saturday night to listen to the Alabama game--on the radio, since we sold our TVs in the garage sale. Yes, down by three touchdowns, the Hogs came roaring back and seemed to have everything well in hand until the final seconds when the home team....well, it's too sad. What looked like would happen didn't happen. And, of course, there was more sadness last week.
Monday morning reflection tempted us to think that somewhat described our experience lately--feeling behind where we had dreamed of being the last several years serving with a mission of some sort. Sensing God's rousing call, then taking the big steps to follow Him and watching Him work in amazing ways to put us "three touchdowns ahead" but then watching the opposition execute plays that seemed to be erasing our big lead. No one ever said living for the line would be easy, just rewarding in watching God work things out for His own glory and name. We have felt like His word to us from the first was to "stand firm."
This week, we've been watching and enjoying that transforming power of the Spirit in our thinking. We were able to make a quick trip to Clifton Park, New York, to see our next generation in action--Ella ("Melon") and Easton ("Mr. Buddy"). It was like a breath of fresh air to us, and He IS the air we breathe! He also used a little book by Henri Nouwen we read on the plane to realign our thinking in inviting people to come along with us with a common vision of community.
We remember thinking at the beginning of the summer, "Our target date to begin our new positions is the end of August, and we know God can make it happen but we really can't imagine how it will." Now, Sewall Architecture has drawn to a conclusion, we have moved, much of our support is raised. We feel like we are pulled back in a slingshot, looking forward to being released. Our call is sure, and our times are in His hand.
