Never

It was around this time last year that I uttered those words.  It's one of those moments that I can say I actually have learned from!  Saying those words and having that attitude ushered in a new period in our lives.

It started slowly.....
We were in Angel Fire, NM for the annual meeting in October.  My mom and dad always come up in October, and we always tried to make it to Angel Fire if they were there.  I was talking with Mom about some things that happened to our family recently.  She went to bed, and I thought everything was fine.  But Mom came down the stairs about thirty minutes later and asked me point blank: "Matt, how long do you plan to live there in New Mexico?"  Erin was at the table with me, and I looked Mom in the eyes and said, "Mom, I will never leave the reservation!  I want to stay here forever!"  This wasn't an argument or disagreement, but I was convinced our family was right where God wanted us to be, and Mom was convinced I may need to consider other options at some point in the future.

Less than a year later, we moved halfway across the world.

Well, God taught me a lesson!  I have generally been pretty good about the whole "if the Lord wills" idea from the book of James. But I have learned to NEVER utter the word never again.  While I still don't fully know all the reasons God wanted us to move to Indonesia, I certainly found out very quickly that I must obey, despite what I thought-or what I had said.  God is certainly stretching us through a transitional time right now, and while it is painful at times, I take comfort in knowing we are exactly where God wants us to be.  In fact, without that knowledge, I don't think anyone in either of our families (here or in the States) would be able to endure the separation we are going through.

So as you go through this week, remember the importance of not being rash or confident in what you think is God's plan.  He has a way of changing things quickly- not on a whim, but as part of his plan to use us for his glory.  We can't be used if we think we have arrived exactly where we need to be.  I spoke rashly with overconfidence.  We have learned to be much more dependent upon God's plan instead of our own.

Thanks, Mom, for asking a thoughtful and tough question.  It's amazing to see how God uses the simplest things to change our perspective, attitude, and eventually- our lives!  God bless ya!
Love to all- mekj