Wednesday, July 30, 2014

A Season of Change

I slept in until 5:00 this morning and for the first time in a very long time I realized I did not need to hurry off to do anything today. It is cool and dark outside and I am enjoying the sounds of the soft breeze in the palm trees and the waves as they hit the shore. It has been a while since I have enjoyed stilllness. I am happy to be in the quiet.

So many things have transpired over these last few months and I am looking forward to moments like these where I can begin to process them all. As many of you know Tom and I are relinquishing our leadership roles at MMI and will stay on in an advisory capacity. The helm will now be in the hands of our beloved friends Bob and Terri Gulack whom we have known and loved for so many years. This is a change we had hoped for and God worked it out in such a perfect way. As I sit here this morning on my deck waitng for the sun to rise I begin to contemplate all the ramifications of this change.

I am quickly reminded of my thoughts about our upcoming sabbatical. For the last year Tom and I have been training to walk the Camino de Santiago. This is a pilgrimage from the South of France through Northern Spain ending on the Northwest coastline in Finesterre (End of the World). Our trek is called the Camino Frances and we will walk approximately 550 miles. We had travelled along parts of it a few years ago while we were in Spain and had thought it was something we would like to do. I think at that time we thought it would be a great challenge and we were up for it. A colleague and fellow walker of the Camino told me a long time ago you don't call the Camino, the Camino calls you. I think we are being called for much more than just the physical challenges. I think it is a time for Tom and I to be reminded that everything we need is already with us. Above us (God), alongside of us (each other), and, in this case, on our backs (provision). I also think the timing is perfect that we would do this at this time. In this season of change we will need these moments of quiet and the reminder that our lives are in the Hands of our Creator. Each day will bring a new adventure and we are excited to see what is ahead.

I look forward to this week of stillness. It gives me moments to contemplate all that I have and all that is yet to be. I am excited for what is ahead and what God would have for us. You who read these notes are of the greatest value to me. While many things around me may change my love for you only grows deeper with the passing of time. You mean the world to me...will try to connect again soon.