Practice

Did I have a brief panicky moment when we checked in at the airport a couple weeks ago? Oh yes!! 

For just a second my brain skipped ahead to July, and I could 'feel' the mystery of leaving all that's familiar behind for several years. In that moment, I thought "yikes. I don't think I want ANYone coming to the airport with us that day. I'd like to invite a stranger off the streets to drive us to the airport, tell us to quit the crying, and speed away hurriedly. :)

Ok so we all know that won't happen. It's difficult to face some of these realities though...

Another 'practice' we recently experienced was attending and helping with a dinner for some friends who are moving overseas in just 2 more months. It was overwhelming to witness the love and support of the body of Christ coming around these friends. Seeing them being sent out! 

Also interesting was seeing their crates that they built. And the small amount of belongings that are prepared to be squeezed into them. 

These are all upcoming realities for us. I'm thankful for the opportunity to experience them a bit in advance. To process, and to see what works well and what maybe we'd do differently.

I have seen The Lord work this way in my life for years and years now! He has a way of subtly equipping me and preparing my heart for things that are to come. Often I don't recognize it until it is hindsight. But I've never known Him to lead me into anything blindly. If I feel blind, it's because I'm not looking at Him!

Lord, keep my eyes always looking to You- for today, for what is coming, and for what has passed, that I may find infinitely more reasons to praise Your Name and Your faithfulness.

"My heart says of You, "Seek His face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek." -Ps. 27.8

Full Speed Ahead!

Yes, this is an EXTREMELY flattering picture of me!! Be jealous.

But really, I guess that is how this year is feeling! Trying to keep my eyes open and holding on tight as life twists and turns and climbs and drops... and like Space Mountain, taking moments RIGHT in the midst of the craziness to gaze at the beautiful stars! (They really make it pretty in there, if you think to look and enjoy it!) (and yes, I cropped out my dear father- he looked rather ill... hehe)

So He is reminding me to stop and gaze at Him in the midst of this crazy year.

We just enjoyed a lovely family trip to Disneyland, courtesy of the grandparents. :) They are making some great memories with us, and with my brother and his wife, and especially with their grand-daughters before we move overseas next year. 

I met a gal in Colorado a few weeks ago who was a missionary in Europe for several years. She expressed to me that she very much understands how challenging that year before you move overseas is, with transitions and goodbyes and such. And this is what she told me:

"Don't just survive these months. Learn to live well in them!"

I'd say that's definitely my goal now- to not merely 'get through', but to live well in these times, to enjoy and savor (as I've said before), and to keep making memories that I can carry with me when we are gone. 

I think it's a great challenge for all of us. Are we living in survival mode (like my picture indicates above)? Or are we willing to stop and gaze at His Face (for surely He is with us!) in the midst of it all?

Stopping to enjoy some beauty :)