As we approach being back in America for a month now, we are slowly leaving the phase of being able to explain to people that we just got back from Europe, and are trying to put the pieces of life together. It’s funny how there’s a big difference in 2 and 3 weeks. Telling folks we’d been back for just 2 weeks, everyone said, “Oh, well you basically just got back…things’ll fall into place.” But just a few days later, into week 3, people’s started to say stuff like, “Well, you know…that’s just the economy these days. Good luck out there.” It is definitely a battle to remember that we just closed out a 3 year long chapter of our lives, and that one, two, or five months are relatively short periods of transition. Carolyn and I are continually reminding ourselves to be patient and faithful as we wait to see where the Lord directs us in this new phase of life. One thing that helps to combat impatience and anxiety is thankfulness.
We do have an incredible amount for which to be thankful. One year ago, we celebrated a beautiful wedding, surrounded by so many family members and friends. We were able to take a honeymoon, and even a honeymoon to Greece at that. Despite a tough economy, we’ve been able to work during the last years, gaining experience in our fields, as well as gaining invaluable life experience abroad in Switzerland and Germany. We were able to continually develop friendships in Lauf, as well as establish new friends there. Additionally, we were blessed by numerous visitors, and enjoyed sharing our time in Europe with many. We have been able to eat well, we’ve been able to live comfortably, and we’ve been able to travel a great amount.
When I consider these things, my desire for more is squelched. I have been given more than enough. I am probably spoiled beyond measure. As Carolyn and I wait on jobs, apartments, and cars, we are rediscovering the beauty of seeking the Lord with palms outstretched; leaving all we have behind, ready to accept whatever He has in store for us. It is a new adventure, but as we continue on, it is such an encouragement to remember how our Father has richly blessed us. It reminds us to have faith that he will continue to.
