Who do you know?

In August of 2004, Murphy and I took a leap of faith and moved to Indiana.  We left behind friends, family, a thriving ministry, and a life we both loved dearly.  It was a hard decision, but one we both will never regret. 

Have you ever taken a LEAP OF FAITH?  Murphy describes it as putting all you hold dear into a zip-loc, sealing it shut and handing it over to God. 

In Indiana, I quickly adjusted into our family routine.  I did okay for the first few weeks and then I realized I knew NO ONE.  I could shop at Walmart and not see one familiar face.  I think I discovered this in the middle of week two and when we left over two hundred weeks later, I was still battling with being un-known.

When I anticipated building friendships in a new place, I knew it wouldn't be easy.  I knew it wouldn't happen quickly.  I also knew that if and when it did happen it would never replace my friendships in Kentucky.  I knew the Lord would bless my EFFORTS (even if they weren't recepicated) and I knew I wouldn't survive without it.

Effort.

I did put a lot of effort into building friends in that new place.  It was one of the toughest things I've ever done in my life.  I took for granted how valuable being known - having 'history' with someone can be. I took so many people, places, and things for granted.  I never anticipated the heartache, the pain, the sheer agony of being 'un-known.'  I had invested so much emotionally in being known.

Since that time, here are a couple of things I've learned...

• to ask 'Jesus, what do you want me to do?'
• to live intentionally
• to refuse to be pushed around by circumstances
• to remain stalwart
• to stop whining when everything isn't perfect.  How many more times can I ask Jesus, 'how much more can I endure?'

Thoughts from the school of hard knocks...