When I left Colorado on July 24th I had no idea it was going to be for most of the rest of the year. I was flying to Georgia to pick up my car, then driving to Ft. Myers, Florida for training with Beauty From Ashes, then driving back to Georgia for two weddings. I was going to visit a friend in North Carolina and then begin driving home. I leave today to visit my friend in North Carolina, but instead of returning to Colorado in a week, I will be going back to Florida. Wait…what???
That was my response to the Lord. I was a bit shocked, and still am in all honesty, how everything has transpired. Two weeks ago I ended up staying an extra day in Ft. Myers after the training before heading towards Georgia, and during that time got to spend the afternoon with the founder of Beauty From Ashes. I was about five minutes away from being dropped off at my hotel when somehow our conversation veered into the realm of me saying “well, I don’t have to go back to Colorado necessarily” and her saying “you could basically be mentored for four months.” We both agreed to take the next week and pray it through, and sure enough, a few days ago she and I concluded it would be a good fit for the organization and for me. I am in the beginning stages of starting an organization similar to Beauty From Ashes and what better way to learn than to be under the leadership of people who have done this for almost 10 years.
I’ve asked myself a few times (ok maybe like 1,649) if I’m crazy. I mean, in what realm would this seem like a good idea? I have no idea where I’m going to live, I am close to finding myself financially, shall we say, uncertain, I only packed enough clothes for a few-weeks trip and I don’t even know what this mentorship is going to look like. But here’s the thing: in the spiritual realm, this looks normal. Why? Because I need to trust the Lord completely for provision, wisdom and well, everything. I know He has literally dropped this opportunity into my lap. I know He is saying “jump. I will catch you.” I know He is faithful, sovereign and just. And I know He loves me. The visions He has given me for starting an organization in Colorado are just that; His visions. And He is saying that to be better equipped and prepared, this is an opportunity for growth that I cannot let pass by. His plans and ways are so much higher than I can even fathom.
So here I go. I will drive back to Florida on Thursday and begin the internship on Friday. And that’s all I know right now. Wait; that’s not true. I know the Lord doesn’t have any question marks in His vocabulary, even though I have a million. I know He is in control. I’m astounded He has led me into this. I’m astounded He wants me to take part in His work around the world. And I’m astounded by this adventure called “life.” Even through all of these uncertainties I know I am held in His grip. Whatever I do and wherever I am, may He receive all the glory and honor. What a ride this is. 🙂
