The Past Six Months Summarized

Sometimes God calls us to do things that don't make sense from our earthly perspectives.  Our life in Austin was pretty cush.  We had a nice big house with a lovely yard, a wonderful church, christian friends, my family within reasonable driving distance, the best YMCA probably ever, and easy access to travel and city life when we felt the urge.  Yet last fall we first had a little tickle of a possible move to NYC.  I put it in the back of my mind as something in our 5 year plan and rarely thought about it over the next few months.  Until April came when Joao found an interesting job posting to pursue, and within weeks they were requesting he come out to interview earlier than our planned trip to NYC in the end of May.  So all of a sudden by the second week of May I was trying to comprehend that I was moving to New York in August.  The rest of May and into June was a blur of trips, Damian's pre-school graduation, and family.  Then the decision was made that Joao was going to start work in July.  Life went into warp speed as we were at less than a month to plan Damian's birthday party, sort everything into what we could pack and what needed to be sold, pack, sell what we could, coordinate moving details, and say goodbye to family and the friends we have grown to love over the past four years in Austin.  But God is gracious and merciful, and heard the prayers that people were voicing that I was unable to say.  I don't know when I have ever felt such a strong prayer shield as I have during this time.  And despite having more gray hairs than I did a month ago, our family is reunited and learning to love a new city with God's love. 

As we start this adventure I am excited to see what God's plan is for us.  During these past two months I have also felt bombarded by sermons, devotionals, and Bible studies on seeking God's will and not be willing to coast through life as a lukewarm christian.  The two quotes that go through my head most often are Pastor Gerhardt of Urban Impact Ministries telling us to "quit chillin' because God tells us to go until He says no."  And my aunt's devotional she shared as she dropped me off at the airport, that we need to remember to live each day.  We may spend the rest of our lives here, and we may only live here for a year. Each day should be spent seeking out opportunities to show God's love and cherish each moment.