(v.) to promote growth by labor and attention

This would typically be my “farewell” message as I head out from DC today with a loaded down car, but tears don’t translate well in a blog post.  Suffice it to say I’m humbled and overwhelmed by the amazing community of people that have stood beside me to this point, that have celebrated with me in joyful anticipation of the mission, and have sent me off with their love and prayers.  I will miss you all; but there are no goodbyes, only a “see ya soon”.

That said, I’ve been processing lately just how amazing the last six months have been in preparation for the move.

I’m usually one to make a decision and leave….yesterday.  That hasn’t been the case with Thailand.  I felt strongly that this was neither a decision to be taken lightly nor a move to be rushed into.

I realized earlier in the year that Thailand was on God’s itinerary for me sometime this year, but I didn’t feel the sense of urgency or immediacy that I normally feel with more typical job changes.  In taking a breath and deciding to hold off from moving until this summer, it became clear that there were a number of commitments that I had made that needed to be fulfilled and there was a season of emotional and spiritual preparation that needed to happen before taking the leap into missions.

In having this last six months to try to “finish well” my time here in DC, I look back and realize the true value of giving God some margin to work with.  Had I picked up and moved immediately this last winter, I would have missed out on an amazing season of preparation in DC.  I would have missed out on relationships that still needed to be cultivated.  I would have missed opportunities to develop professionally in ways that will likely contribute to whatever work I’m able to put my hand to in Thailand.  I would have missed learning the emotional and spiritual lessons that have been thrown at me in recent months, all of which I’m convinced are preparation for trying times overseas.

So, I’m thankful for this time that I was allowed in DC.  I learned just how much joy there is in being sure of your calling, but enjoying the season of preparation with a healthy anticipation and expectation of what’s next.   I learned the value of spiritual margin.

And thus begins the next chapter of margin.  Rather than flying straight over to Thailand after ending my job last week, I decided to take about a month off to recalibrate, see my family, and have some serious adventures on U.S. soil.

And today, my friends, marks the beginning of the epic road trip.

I’m headed up the east coast for a few days before turning and heading west toward Idaho.  I have good friends with me along the way, and very few plans are set for the trip other than a commitment to adventure.

Here’s to laying down the ever-pressing need to “arrive yesterday” and instead enjoying the stories that are being written of the journey there!