As our time here on the Eastern Shore draws to a close, Tom, Nick and I have made up a "sand bucket list" of things we want to do before we move. Top on the list was to drive to Gulf Shores and eat at our family's favorite restaurant: Sea 'n Suds. Friends joined us and we ate outside so we could enjoy the sound of the waves and feel the breeze and watch an unobstructed sunset. We stuck our toes in the cool sand after our meal and enjoyed watching seagulls swarm over some poor family with a bag of chips.
On the way back to the car we passed a couple on vacation who asked about Sea 'N Suds and we told them why we were there to eat. "You're MOVING? You're moving from HERE? Why on earth would anyone ever move from HERE??" Good question, from an earthly point of view.
The simple answer is, God spoke . . . then He nudged. How do we know He spoke? In about a million ways. When the possibility of leaving our wonderful home and church family and friends first came up I said, "I don't want to, so Lord, if this is what You want, please change my mind and heart. And Nick . . . Oh Lord, Nick . . . Just how are You going to change that boy's mind and heart? (and yes, I realize You're Almighty God, but still . . .that's quite a challenge even for You.)"
God began working in our lives and speaking to us through His Word (so directly, so obviously), through His people (some here, some there). He arranged circumstances, closed some doors and opened others wide. He put up neon billboards that reached out and grabbed us. He lifted burdens and tied up loose ends. He allowed thorns to grow in our nest to make us less comfortable. All we had to do was watch and listen to see what God was telling us.
The beauty of the Eastern Shore will fail to satisfy if we refuse to move when God leads. The waves will lose their charm if we allow them to drown out God's voice. The soothing breeze could quickly turn into whispers of conviction. We don't want to ruin a perfectly lovely view.
Dear Father, only You know how crazy in love with this place we were when we first came. Only You know the journey that has brought us to this point one step, one lesson, at a time. Comfort keeps us from venturing forward but You've called us into a new adventure. Thank You for leading us here to the beauty that surrounds us on the Eastern Shore. It was just what we've needed for 12 years. Now we trust You to know what we need for the next stage of our journey, and we're excited to find out what You need from us in our new home.
May each member of Your family go wherever You lead and do whatever You call us to do. You opened the way to Your throne room for us. Help us start there, sitting at Your feet and listening. May we not insult and hurt You by walking by Your open door instead of through it. Speak in every heart today and guide us to follow You wholeheartedly where You're telling us to go.
In the name of Jesus who left heaven to come to earth with astounded angels saying, "Why on earth would anyone ever move from HERE?"
"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." Isaiah 55:2-3
"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split." Matthew 27:50-51
When we moved down here from Birmingham, we knew we were in obedience. Everythng just fell into place - finding this house, selling our B'ham house, even our pastor's sermon shortly before we moved. He had been preaching a series on the Ten Commandments, and the Sunday he preached on "Honor thy father and thy mother" he emphasized that that pertains to adult children and elderly parents every bit as much as to young children and young to middle-aged parents. Since we were moving to be closer to my mother, so we could help her when needed, we felt that that was an affirmation.
ReplyDelete"In the name of Jesus who left heaven to come to earth with astounded angels saying, "Why on earth would anyone ever move from HERE?"."
ReplyDeleteThis is profound. He will's it as the best way.
--------------------------------------------------
You have a wonderful blog. We think you write very well.