1 week to go!

I think the risk of being a future focused / torch bearing type in this life, is that we (myself being one) never actually stop to see just how far we've come along our journeys... Fortunately i have come to know this trait in myself all too well, and so just before i share all those things that have not gone according to plan, let me start by sharing some of those things that have...

Firstly, i am typing this in our lounge, surrounded by boxes and random items in preparation for the move this Saturday. For the record, i have not packed a single box... Not even 1 of the more than 30 already packed. I have also contributed almost nothing to solving the problem of our currently 'tenant-less' flat, nor have i had any dealings with the moving company whatsoever. I have not had to organize any of the support we will receive on packing day from a number of our friends, nor have i been involved in finalizing the moving arrangements with our new landlords in Walkerville. I can go on, but probably better not for the sake of my reputation!

Who then do i have to thank for all of this? It sounds funny too say, but the person who has almost single-handedly taken responsibility for every major element of our move, is the same person who hates change, hates the unfamiliar, and hates a messy house. The fact that she likes boxes, is probably our only saving grace! Of course i am referring to my darling wife, and what an amazing job she is doing (despite being scared - see her previous post), and despite me still not having a job - which coincidentally is the only responsibility i have been tasked with! (nice one Sean)

So then, with 1 week to go until 'Project Treetops' (the code name for our relocation to Walkerville) officially becomes 'Project Get On With Life', i am reminded that we are almost 90% of the way to completing our most ambitious undertaking as a married couple (short of saying 'i do'), and if i'm honest, i have my wife to thank for about 90% of all of that! Boeby (my wife's pet name), you are a legend, and your courage and commitment never ceases to humble me (when i actually take a moment to appreciate what we have in you). Thank you my sweetie, and may God bless you richly for your faith and faithfulness!

OK, with that said, back to the futurist that is me... As mentioned, i still have no job, but not for a lack of trying (as i have tried to allow God to lead me) - bearing in mind, that my job pool is considerably limited given that i am only looking within a 10 km radius of our new home in Eikenhof (given our desire to have a simpler lifestyle, with more time for both ourselves and others = no room for traffic!)

Subconsciously, i know that i have been holding out for a job / apprenticeship with a gentleman by the name of John, who owns a company called Benches Direct in Walkerville - especially given my desire to better understand furniture manufacturing. To date however, i'm the only party showing any interest in this regard...

Interestingly enough, as i'm writing this, i'm suddenly reminded of my current work computer password - Joshua Chapter 1. It is here that the Lord commands Joshua to 'Be strong and courageous!', which is the self same scripture i held onto last time the sweats were on... just before my business (Transvelop) came a tumbling down (closed) - and damn!! did we need to be strong and courageous then. Fast forward today, and i'm really wondering what the Lord has in store for us this time round, but secretly optimistic that we're going to be 'presently surprised' (as the Lord has promised Dannean). Anyway, the clock is ticking, and the money runs out at the end of April (no savings)... Joshua Chapter 1 - HERE WE COME!!

Curve Balls

My Christmas present to Sean last year

I have packed 30 boxes. The boys are all prepared for their move to Walkerville. I have been emotionally preparing myself for ages. We are set to move in just over three weeks time. So what could go wrong?...

Great question...

Sean has still not got a job offer.  For most this would probably be the biggie, the big "No, don't go. It must be a sign" yet for me, this has not been a major concern.  I have, contrary to my personality, actually taken this in my stride. 

Today (4 March) I just found out that the people who were going to rent our flat (which forms part of our living income when we move) have decided to take another unit in the same complex.

We have signed our lease for the place in Eikenhof but as there is still some work to do on the house we are holding off on paying the deposit until we can be guaranteed that the finishing touches will be completed before we move in. No response to that yet.

And so here I sit.  Wondering whether to laugh or cry (I have done both).  The news of our flat was quite a blow to me and so, I just let myself let it out and I cried. Hard, but not for long.  I thought back to a few things that have happened recently which make me see God's hand so clearly in all this that seems so much like 'chaos'.

Firstly, on Saturday, Sean showed Ang and I a video clip.  The content was great but what stood out for me most were these words (I paraphrase): "Don't put a full stop where God has put a comma".  The story has not ended.  He continue to explain that many of the greatest biblical characters experienced what we are experiencing right now.  The city of Jericho was too well fortified.  Abraham was too old.  David was too young.  Peter denied Jesus. Jesus was too well known... I could go on.  But that was not the end of their stories.  And this is not the end of ours.  The walls of Jericho fell, Abraham had a son, David slayed a giant, Peter built the church, Jesus died and rose. 

This morning I read a short devotion by John Piper.  This was before I heard the news of our flat.  And already this morning my spirit must have known that the words were needed.  He quotes Isaiah and how God rejoices to do good for his people.  What a wonderful promise, I thought, before I even realised how much I was going to need to hold to it.

So once I had had my cry, I started to rejoice.  I starting praising God as even though this is not how I would have liked things to go, he knows better.  And it can only be for our good.  I have prayed so much for His will to be done.  I have prayed only that we would be following him and not our own thoughts and desires.  I do not care if this all falls apart.  I do not care about looking like a 'fool' for what we have thought if this is all wrong.  All I care about is doing what He wills, His way and in His timing.  And so I rejoice and thank God who is good and faithful and is directing our lives as He wishes.  That has been my prayer.  How can I not see all this as His answer?

I must have read this somewhere at some time in my life, but after crying, then praying and then rejoicing, I had these words come to mind: "Maybe when we think everything is falling apart it is, in fact, that things are all falling together".

Watch this space.  God is moving!

25 March 2015: 
God is indeed moving. We have finalised our lease for Walkerville and will be moving on Saturday. Still no job for Sean and wewe are still holding out in faith for a tenant for our flat but it is in His hands and timing.  I am learning, slowly and with many tears, to let God do what He does best... Be God!