Roots

Today was my last day at my job at Little Scholars.  I had a lot of fun, got to spend some time with my coworkers, and everyone made me feel super special  =)  I thought it might be harder than that, but as I went through the day I was just enjoying being with everybody.  I'm a pretty even-emotioned person.  Everyone was there and we were having a good time, no need to be sad.  Then I got off, gave hugs, said goodbyes, and started driving home.  Then it hit me, I felt sad, not going to lie I cried a little.  

For several months even before we had any idea God wanted us to move to Salt Lake, Aaron and I have been feeling like the Lord has been pulling out our roots.  Surprisingly, it actually felt good!  I love adventure, and the monotonousness of every day life was getting to me.  It felt good to have my roots pulled out of the boring and meaningless things they were in.  World of Warcraft, my plans for my life, my job in retail to name a few.  It was exciting wondering what God was doing and where He would take us.  When we decided we had to go to Salt Lake City, I couldn't wait (and I still can't)!  I like Arizona only about 2 months out of the year, and I've always wanted to move to Colorado.  Utah is close enough!

Then more roots started coming out, and it didn't feel so good.  We moved out of our house so we could rent it out.  I love the woman who is in our house, and God worked it out perfectly, she is a blessing to us and we are a blessing to her.  But this was our home for 3 1/2 years, we laughed together, cried together, argued together, loved each other, worshipped God, played music, played with our dogs.  I miss our home.  I miss our dog, who can't stay with us at my parents house.  

Today another root comes out.  It's easy enough when my root is in dry, bland soil.  But this root was in rich, nutritious soil.  Working for Little Scholars was good for my heart and soul.  It allowed me to grow the fruit of patience (lots and LOTS of patience), love, understanding, compassion, even boldness.  This root was in a good place, but it had to come out.  They all have to come out, and the roots that have yet to be pulled will be more painful.

During this crazy and at times painful time of transition, I choose to plant my roots in the only thing they cannot ever be pulled out of.  I will root myself in the Lord, in His love, His patience, His plan.  I will trust Him.  I will worship Him.  I will follow Him, to the end of the earth if He asks.  The Lord is faithful, He will always be with me, and He will take care of me.  This is what I signed up for, and I do not for a second regret it.  Some people have told me I'm brave, but truly, I'm not brave enough to not be brave.  The consequences of being fearful are worse than the fear of stepping out.  Yes, following God is sometimes painful, but it is also glorious.  It is worth the pain because someday, for those who trust themselves to Him, pain will no longer exist.  It is truly a momentary, light affliction compared to the glory to come.  I will be His warrier as He has called me to be, and someday soon, I will celebrate victory, with all my loved ones close, never to be far again.

"I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind, the God of angel armies is always by my side!  The One who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine, the God of angel armies is always by my side!"

~Chris Tomlin