I (We) Know the Where and the Why...

The title is simple, yet complicated. My family and I left our home in Fletcher, NC in March of this year to come to the Greater Nashville, TN area. We prayed a lot about the decision and felt called here. So, the decision was simple. The title is simple in that way...We were called to Nashville by God (Where) to further glorify His Kingdom (Why). The latter wasn't so clear until recently, which is hard and almost shameful to admit.

The complicated part comes in the "What" and "How!" That's the part that I haven't quite figured out! Maybe Kimberly has? Well, she hasn't shared it with me. Today was a tough day at Church as we reflected on the life of our Pastor, David Landrith, and what's next for our Church. One thing is for sure, God will let us know what's next when He is ready, not when we are ready!


Back to my point, as I plan on reflecting on the impact that David Landrith had on my life in such a relatively short time in a post to come. As the guest speaker today made an altar call, I felt something pull me that way and knew that the question of "What do I (we) do and how do I (we) do it?!?" wasn't something that I can handle on my own. I was a little hesitant and worried at first. But, as I made the journey (of about 15 ft) to one of my Pastors, I suddenly felt a calmness come over me. I felt like Jesus was right there with me. I wasn't calling Him into my boat during this storm,  He was calling me to Him to get out of my boat and walk out onto the stormy sea I see in front of me and walk toward Him (see Matthew 14:22-31).

Did I get my answers of What and How? No, I didn't. It could be that I did, though, and I just haven't unwrapped it yet. Or, He is waiting for the time to be right. It's all based on His timing. For now, I know that I have to do all that I can to glorify Him and the Kingdom of God. Colossians 3:23(NIV) tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

There are a few things that I have learned on this journey from Where and Why to the What and How...
- I am a better father, husband, son and friend
- I am a better Christian
- I feel more purposeful in life
- I love life more than I ever have

The question of "What's your WHY?" comes up a lot. Well, at least I got that part figured out! And, it certainly is the most important, right? Until next time, God bless!

- Ray