Susan and the girls and I made our trek last night to North Carolina to spend time with my family. I think the two of us have been looking forward to just getting away for quite some time. We definitely needed a break. That break couldn’t have been any more well timed after the week that we had. 

Last week was difficult at best. A transition sort of snuck up on us in a sense but in other ways it was a long time coming. After last week, I realized two extremely important things:

1 - God will move you when He wants to, where he wants you.

2 - If managed well, transition can be a great opportunity.

The Grove left a tumultuous facility situation that we had been praying God would open a few doors through, but the door he opened was leaving; which I believe was the best door. I’d like to say, I’m really smart and could see how all of this might have played out, but I’m not that smart. And really, there are still many questions that I have about what is next.

For right now, I am excited about a great opportunity in a location that I think will be a blessing to our church and our community until the pieces come together for us to get into our more permanent location. Isn’t that what this is all about though? Not the permanent location, the blessing we can be.

The point that I often miss in the struggle is that it’s always about making things better for someone else: making our community a better place to live, being a part of God’s in-breaking Kingdom so that people’s lives are never the same. 

All of the challenges, usually come down to what Paul says, “…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That is often done through transition, through difficulty, through change. Most of all it’s done when, with thanksgiving, we focus on what’s best for those around us. See here.

I’m giving thanks this week for the challenges, the difficulties, the opportunities; even the frustrations. And the good news is, these are just the beginning.