Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Our Great Journey West

"Go West Young Man" he had heard God's call.  His wife not so sure.  I didn't really want to leave my family, friends, beautiful home, and church.  I had a really great life, two beautiful children, a wonderful husband, and a sweet little puppy.  Yet here I was packing up my belongings leaving all the things I love, heading for the dreaded Oregon, I mean really they didn't even have an outlet mall with in an hour drive.  Seriously, this isn't even civilization. (Those of you who know me, know I kind of like to shop).  So I packed and packed with a rather grumbling attitude.  I mean really we didn't even know what we were gonna do when we got here, but Jerry felt a calling and had a good job waiting for him here.  I knew in my heart this was God's plan, but no my foolish pride didn't want to admit it.  Packing the moving truck was so traumatic I cried all the way to the Michigan border, I had never been so happy to be stuck for three days in a vehicle, because at least I didn't have to ride with Jerry.  Never mind that he is the love of my life and really does a good job of taking care of me and giving me almost anything I have ever wanted, he was the enemy and he must pay.  I made sure he paid, I made him miserable.  I whined and cried and yelled and said mean things anything to let him know what he had done to me, and how it was all his fault.  He bent over backward (at times) to try to make me happy, but it was a deeper issue.  I didn't want to be happy.  Every bump in the road was a huge deal and more reason for me to let him have it.  My brother in law had been preaching in church about dealing with conflict.  I of course had no conflicts, I didn't know anyone in Oregon.  I didn't want to acknowledge that perhaps I had a conflict with Jerry.  I sat through a revival about dealing with a biblical family, I felt bad about how I treated Jerry.  I just wanted to be the spoiled child who threw a tantrum and not try to fix the issue.  Well the end of the story is, I decided to just get over it and realize that God has us here for a purpose.  I need to do my best to be a blessing instead of a burden.  I can't believe the difference in getting that right.  It made so much of a difference.  I could look around and see God's blessings instead of what I was labeling a nightmare.  I guess the moral of the story is Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  Or Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

6 comments:

  1. Isn't God awesome :)
    I hated the idea of Oregon also when we first moved here, so glad God changed my mind! Enjoy your adventure!

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  2. I had the same problem when I was moving to California. I even broke off our engagement because, "you know the kind of people who live in California" and I thought I just couldn't move so far from my family. I knew this was where the Lord wanted me but I fought it so much. After much wrestling I "gave in" and now I can confidently say that this is the Lord's plan and it is so much better than I had ever dreamed. If you ever need some company give me a call--I love a road trip :-)

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  3. Awesome Jamee! God has really been working in me this last month too - although different issues. Sad to say, we all have things we hold dearer than Christ at times - in practice anyway. So thankful that God is loving, merciful and patient and that His goodness leads us to repentance!

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  4. I hope it's a blessing to you both to be there. I couldn't believe when Jerry left here with the kids that we would see them grow up. Thanks to you we do! It's great to see the adventures of the Garrison's through photos! I'm sure the Lord is smiling down on your little family and has great plans for you all!

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  6. In June, Kurt felt God calling him - although we are still not exactly sure what - we are praying about it. It's strange, because I'm so excited about what God may have in store - yet I'm so nervous because I'm afraid when Kurt knows what God wants him to do, I won't "feel" the call and will be apprehensive. Then I get to thinking about when God shows us where He wants us - do I want to leave my home? His family? What if I'm not near my family, AGAIN.

    It's encouraging to read this and know that you had the feelings you expressed and to see how God has touched you. God will bless you all beyond measure for following the call!

    I removed my last post because I realized my name wasn't on it and you can't really tell by my page! HAHA this is Shari :)

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