WHY am I here… [finding meaning in the journey]

ONE YEAR AGO—we landed in Hometown, OK, began what was to be a short, but hard-fought cancer journey for my mama, escaped the first cases of Corona in Nashville, lost a dear, sweet friend the night before our departure, and started a sabbatical, career journey still on the fly! What we gained far outweighs what we left behind.  And the journey, is still just beginning…

But it is hard to process, at times. Especially, without my sweet mama. Hometown, OK is definitely not what I had in mind when I prayed “God, either move me to I-35 or move all my loved ones who need caring for to I-65.” But God has a way of answering prayer and in the most unexpected ways!? And not only are we a little more than a stones throw away from I-35, but this sign is literally located at our entrance to the interstate when headed south…

It’s LOVE county, y’all! If you’ve ever wondered if God hears your prayers and if He really, truly cares about you, He does. And because of His wondrous love; joy, meaning, and purpose exist on this journey called life.

How long will we stay? Well, that’s entirely up to God. I don’t ever want to fall out of His will (or direction) for my life. Each hard circumstance and moment paved the way for a greater revelation of His enduring faith and well-kept promises. 

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

I don’t know about you, but surviving a year of pandemic life is cause enough to celebrate. And celebrating, I shall be. I’m immensely grateful for this journey! His mercies never failed me. As for the future, I’m staring it square in the face praying God will equip me for my journey. MEANING is found in the place God calls us to and is where our deepest desires and the world’s deepest hunger collides.*

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). 

Lord, I pray You’ll always keep me searching for the meaning behind it all—your PURPOSE for my life’s journey! 

How are you finding meaning in the circumstances surrounding your pandemic journey? Have you grown? Have you wept and grieved? Are you looking ahead in great anticipation to a new season? Are you planning a celebration?  As always, I’d love to hear… 💕

*paraphrased quote of Frederick Buechner