Sunday, August 12, 2007

"Georgia, My Sweet Georgia"

Long time no post and even this is just a short note. Haven't got my computer hooked up so I'm writing this on a laptop using a borrowed connection. We've made the trek to Georgia and now I'm sitting in my living room typing this blog. The most powerful thing about the move is the disconnect from my family. Relatively nothing else even registers. Even with my wife here, not having Brit or Dan around, or even my mother or brothers resounds in my soul. I'm thinking every soul you have a relationship affirms you in some way or another. My thinking was that a prophet is not without honor, except in his own country. I haven't seen the validity of that come to life as of yet. Of course it's too early. For God, probably insanely early. But people I grew up with did validate some of what I know myself to be. And now I have less of that than ever. When I think back over my life, I'm looking to make a difference for Jesus. Something difficult to measure as you impact many people in ways you don't know. In the end you just have to trust and pray and keep walking without losing faith. I often think that is what my journey is all about. It's a walk in the desert for me to learn to live depending only on him. Sometimes I second guess my call to come down here. But I remember back how it was and it was the type of still, small voice I've heard before. It runs counter to the natural but somehow finds fullfillment within me. I hope and trust that this seed comes to fruition. Of course, being a work of God it will have no choice.

One another note about our home. It has some characteristics of opulence. Although some would call my last home by the same name I did not think it so. Each room had a practical purpose and was almost the minimum size for that function. It was large because it had to house seven people but there was nothing extravagant about it. This house has many areas that are large simply for the sake of being large. It made me uncomfortable at first and I think for good reason. Once I faced the reality of it I'm beginning to acclimatize. Paul says he was content in plenty and in want. Well this is in plenty so I should be content regardless.

The neighbour across the street just came over with some brownies. A family of 5 with 3 young children. Everyone seems more friendly down here. It's like Christianity is the norm. On the way to church this morning we must have passed 10 others. They're every .5 mile or so. This is the second time we've been there. The minister is entertaining, as is the choir and orchestra and solos. I can't help but think that's what it's all about. I remember arguing with Jeremy about my relative pessimism as to a lack of global spirituality. I would extrapolate based on a bundle of interlocking information. Jeremy's logic was how could I know since I haven't been everywhere. I understand both points of view. I wasn't saying I couldn't find a spark somewhere, but the evidence points to the unlikeliness of it. Well this church is legalistic in a very nice way. They preach the Bible but it's the way I'd heard it my whole life until I met Dave. The law is the toughest nut. That is probably why I'm not expecting to run into spiritual Christians, because I know how difficult it was to get there, and of all the people I've ever met there were only a handful that had enough conviction just to hold on. I think we're going to another church next Sunday just to see what it's like. I know God has a purpose for everything I'm doing, even if it's simply to bring me closer to him. As the minister said today, "He is Lord of Lord and King of Kings", and my best buddy.