Change

God has been teaching me a lot about change and how to adapt to it. God didn't intend for life to be lived comfortably. Jesus definitely didn't live a comfortable life, but thank God he didn't! If he lived a comfortable life, we would have no hope and no reason for living. I like comfort. I like coming home to my house, sitting on my couch, eating food I love, and spending time with people (and dogs) I love. But I want to do more with life than that. I want to have purpose, and just doing things I like to do day in and day out won't fulfill anyone.

This summer I was actively looking for a job, and nothing seemed to feel right. The school I worked at last year didn't work out. Fast forward a couple months, and I had an interview at another school system. Well, during this time we found out Chris's grandma had pancreatic cancer (beginning of July). It was stage 4 and really progressive. It was in her pancreas, lymph nodes, and liver when it was found. She died July 30th, the day of my interview. I didn't feel right going to the interview when I felt like Christopher needed support, but he and his family encouraged me to go, so I drove 3 hours from Montgomery to Decatur. The interview actually did go well, but can you say bad timing?! It seems like God closed every door for me in Huntsville, which I didn't understand for another week.

A week or so goes by and Christopher found out that his job will be ending in October. Boeing really worked hard for him though and found him some job openings in Huntsville and one in Seattle. We continually prayed and felt like God was leading us to Seattle. This was where we had to decide to listen to God or decide to live comfortably. It would have been so easy to say we're staying in Huntsville. We have a house, a church we love, amazing friends, and it's close to family and football.

After about a week of deliberation, Christopher accepted the Seattle job with Boeing. There are a lot of unanswered questions about the move and what's going to happen, but we're choosing to trust in the one who told us to go. He knew that Christopher would have his dream career at this time, working on commercial planes. He knew that we were leaving not only for career choices, but also to help others, particularly the 89% of people that aren't Christians. I heard Rick Warren say that in your later years, you'll regret the good you didn't do in life far more than the mistakes you made. We don't want to pass up an opportunity to show Christ's love to a city that doesn't see much of it. And I know things will be okay because we're doing what we're supposed to do. I admit that this has been very difficult. It's the toughest decision either of us have had to make. I've never really made any sacrifices to God, but now I'm sacrificing comfort for obedience. But amazingly, God has given me comfort throughout this time. I decided to study Paul's life, thinking it really wouldn't apply to me. I picked up a book I had but had never read called To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore. I couldn't have read it at a better time! God's timing is so perfect! There was a quote by Beth Moore that really spoke to me: "God will never take you anywhere he hasn't already prepared for your arrival."

God knew from the day that Christopher and I were born that we would end up obeying his call on our lives. Though we don't know what's going to happen, he's already prepared our arrival in Seattle. Now that is praiseworthy! Without our God we should fear to move; but when He tells us to go it would be dangerous to tarry (Charles Spurgeon). The only thing I should fear is God!

Matthew 6:28-30 is so comforting to hear. God is so good and so faithful. He is providing comfort throughout this transition already, and I know He will continue to do so. We're leaving the south for a time, but we'll be back plenty to visit. We will definitely miss everyone so much, but know that all of our family and friends are welcome to visit us anytime! We really appreciate all the prayers. Let us know how we can pray for you. You are such a blessing in our lives, and we are so grateful for every one of you!

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers." Philemon 1:4

-Christie