The Ebb and Flow.

Today, I am fully aware of the ebb and flow of life's abundance. Of the constant shift from valley to mountain-top...good times to bad...times of restlessness and those of peace. And in my own life, how there has been a delicately even distribution of both. Of course the bad times seem heartbreakingly more frequent and the good times seem too scant. But oh, how God has woven together the moments to make such a lovely story.

I can say that today has been one of those days where I have dreamt of a different place. Not because I am unhappy here, and not because I am not grateful. Just dreaming. I dream that maybe it would be more adventurous, more fulfilling to be in Italy, or Ireland, or Brazil, or maybe even just Boston, or Charlotte. And I find myself longing for something new, often. That somehow, I would feel closer to the Lord in those places. Making a fresh start. I feel like somehow if I was uprooted from where I am, I would have a greater desire or a more beautiful place to find my God. And while I feel that He has called me to places (and will continue to call me to places), I am also fully aware today that God is here, and does not change from place to place. The Almighty that I would serve in an exotic place is the God that I serve here in Alabama. The Provider that I would trust in a foreign place is the very same God that I rely on here in Birmingham. And sometimes, it takes just as much courage to trust that your adventure is where you are than to believe that it is elsewhere. If I don't love Him with a furious longing here, then what about being somewhere different will change that? Jesus Christ has called you and I to an abundant life. And all that we have is right now, dear friend. So even if He moves you tomorrow, take Him up on that promise wherever you find yourself today. And let the ebb and flow, of abundance and need, come and go as it may. For your God will never change. No matter where you are.

John 10:9-10:

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

He will come in and go out, and find pasture.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."