"You're So Far Away..."

"...Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?"

Oh, wait, that's just me who keeps moving.
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Alright, I know I need to explain some things to those with whom I haven't had a chance to catch up; and frankly that is most of you since I've only had about five days to process this new turn of events. In case you haven't heard anything yet, let me bring you to speed. I am writing this from LAX where I will be boarding a plane is a few hours that will take me to Sydney, Australia! Those of you who were looking forward to pictures and posts from the Pacific Northwest, put that on hold and get ready for sights from the other side of the globe.
Okay, so to back up (but only a little- I'll keep this brief) to a week ago today, I got a Skype call from a couple of my lovely Aussie cousins. I thought this was just a catch up call, but they had an agenda. After a minute or two of chit chat they presented me with an opportunity: let us bring you to Australia for the next three months and you can help us with our kids and our busiest time of year AND spend some time with your much beloved family. Those of you who spoke to me between last Tuesday and Thursday know the difficulty I had in landing on a decision. I'm not going to revisit all of the emotions or stresses I struggled with or the pro/con lists that are still lying around the now empty house in Roseburg; and all of you who think this was a no-brainer, easy-breasy choice, I'll deal with you later; but as is quite clear by now, I landed on yes. I'm on my way to Australia!

My best friend and I have long appreciated a Yiddish proverb that says, when translated, "Man Plans, God Laughs." I think this must now be my life's motto. In no way was I prepared for this switch up. It's not like I had planned my life out or anything, but I was just happy to know exactly where I was going to be for the rest of the year: EEHHH! WRONG! No matter how many times my plans change I still keep thinking that I can be ready for the next step and I can plan my path... When will I learn?

Even without that sweet, little phrase, the truth of it is clear in scripture:

Psalms 33:10
The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.

So often I find myself trying to drown out outside voices and just go with my gut, follow my heart, or do what's right for me. This verse should remind me that that means pretty much nothing. I claim Jesus Christ as my Savior and the sovereign ruler of my LIFE; curveballs and change-ups included (check out that baseball metaphor!) If I trust Him, Proverbs 3 tells me He will direct my paths. So here we go! No, I still don't know what's going on, no I still don't have a plan, but really, why bother? I'm following the leader. I'm doing the best that I can and I'm going one day, one moment, one step at a time.

On the first leg of this trip I was gazing out the little window of the plane, watching the sunset and subconsciously planning my future. When I realized this, I had to laugh. I know God is laughing too.

Laugh along with us! Follow this blog, this trip and wherever this life takes me next!