Beginning to Harvest
Mike being baptized.
Jesus told us, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." - Matthew 16:24
To some of the closest people in our life, our decision to stay up here in northern Vermont after selling our home, doesn't make any sense to them. Don't we want to be closer to family? Shouldn't we provide more opportunities for our children? Don't we need to buy a house? Last week Mike and I traveled down to central/southern Vermont, put an offer on a house in a village and then realized that we simply weren't listening to God's call for our life. We will probably lose $1,000 but know that following God's will for our life is more important.
Yesterday was a day filled with tears as we received hurtful words after hurtful words from family. I am thankful for my father, that even though he was disappointed, understands.
Over the past several years, our family has begun the hard work of serving in our community through our church mostly, but also just by letting our life speak. Our pastor shared with us a few weeks ago that he feels God calling us to work here in this small town for right now - to take on leadership roles. For the past year or so, Mike and I have felt God nudging us to a life of ministry.
So for right now, we don't have a home to call our own, but the buyers of our house have graciously let us stay until April when they move here from Wisconsin. We will simply keep faithful that God will provide us a house nearby and we are still praying for a modest home with wooded acreage. But God knows what we need, we really don't.
I'm sorry you had such a hard day yesterday, but I do understand listening to God's calling. It's all Grace!
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and I pray you smile a lot today!
Thanks Tracey - and you are right - that through His grace, through the sadness I feel complete peace and still filled with joy.
DeleteI will pray for your family daily, Tonya. I make that commitment because I feel we are in the woods, on this side of a bridge, and you have somehow, all unknowing, wandered onto the bridge, and are on the uphill track beyond. I wish we were as far along, yet at the same time, I know you are in the wilder and scarier place. Bless you both. Keep telling your story. Jackie x
ReplyDeleteYou are sweet. Thank you for your thoughtful words - I will pray for your family too.
DeleteThe path takes so many twists and turns. My husband and I moved to a no name town, thousands of miles away from family, and endured harsh criticism those first few years. Like we say, if we are being criticized than we are doing something right. May the sunrise bring renewed hope, may the days work bring satisfaction, and may these prayers be a healing balm to your heart. Funny thing is, years later, everyone wants to come to the farm to visit and get away from their busy lives. Gotta love God's sense of humor. Peace and understanding from Texas.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you had to deal with hurtful words. Keeping you in my prayers--sometimes God's plan for us ends up very different then our plan for us (Adam and I reflect on this often in our own life). :) Glad you have such a supportive church community.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is a pastor and we know from experience that it is always right to follow God's leading over what family wants. I pray you will be blessed greatly for your faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are in the Word, you are under the wings of our Father. Who cares what others think? To truly be happy, you must follow God, not man. Sending you love and support!
ReplyDeleteWe too are trying to discern if we should stay here or move as my husband will be retiring. My kids would be a bit further away from us (they are all grown and have their own homes) but it would allow them to visit us in a nicer, more country-ish area. However, I am afraid of change (even though this is going back to my hometown) and am attached to my house with it's memories. Yet I submit to doing God's will for us, which is the husband leading. I can't say we have made a decision. But doing God's will many times feels as if you are walking blindly and I find many times God works wonders in His own time and we just have to be patient. AndreaC
ReplyDeleteBe a God-Pleaser, not a man-pleaser. It is so hard to not do what others are doing or to face the concern and hurtful words that family and friends that care about you offer. It is tough. It makes you question your calling. Stay close to Him as you always do.
ReplyDeleteSometimes people strike out with angry words when they do not know how to communicate the pain and sadness they are feeling. Have you ever cried out in anger against someone who scared you and had you worried? It is a knee jerk reaction.Some time we act out in harsh words when we are afraid of what is going on. Follow where God is leading you. He will provide the home when you need it and not until then. Perhaps He is working in the background to open up a ministry position right now. Just keep praying and trusting. With all of the new electronic ways to communicate, such as Skype and messenger, not including cell phones, keeping in contact with families who are far away is much easier.I hope you get your money back. Diana
ReplyDelete