As you may have noticed, I've been away from blog-land for a while. I wasn't sure exactly how long that had been until my Dad mentioned that my last post was February 16th ... so I'm a little behind.
I can't blame my blogging tardiness on being downsized from Citibank, but it has certainly had an effect. I had planned to begin posting my first day "off-the-job" but blogging was part of my downtime at work ... I've certainly had downtime lately but not much work to break it up with. In any case, please feel free to join T in what I'm sure will be some semi-sarcastic comments about returning from the witness protection plan etc. etc.
I chose the title of this post - not because I'm back in the employment saddle .... or even in reference to my soon-coming move to Indiana, rather it has more to do with life's direction and our persistent shared delusion that we seem to know where we are going. Before I go any further, I should point out that I do not see myself as Saul of Tarsus for many reasons. For example I am none of the following:
1. An up-and-coming young Pharisee
2. A student of the renowned Gamaliel
3. A persecutor of the followers of Jesus
4. An effective garment storage provider / execution group facilitator
5. ... very good at keeping up with meaningful written correspondence
I've been passing the sign above (or one very similar) for nearly 14 years on trips between Springfield and Kansas City. At first it was to visit some soon to be relatives, then it was to move here, and for the past 5 years, it's been on the way home from a family visit. As I've driven past "the road to Damascus" (just north of the Osceola Cheese Store), it has always given me reason to reflect on where I'm going.
I've gone to places in my life - both spiritually and geographically speaking completely motivated by my own purpose and plan or because it seemed to make sense. Still ... on the way there I find myself somewhat blind and rather unaware of what I'll end up doing in the end.
In every instance, God continues to put me in places that shape me and my family while allowing us to touch the lives of other people. I'm still nervous about this physical move - even though I can see how several doors/windows have been opened and closed to get me to this point.
I've been able to keep N from playing a certain Michael W. Smith song about "packing up the dreams God 's planted" but I've been remembering another one that wasn't quite as popular at the end of summer camp - it seems to fit my mood on the Damascus road better.
--
Here is where the road divides
Here is where we realize
The sculpting of the Father's great design
Through time you've been a friend to me
But time is now the enemy
I wish we didn't have to say goodbye
But I know the road he chose for me
Is not the road he chose for you
So as we chase the dreams were after
Pray for me and I'll pray for you
Pray that we will keep the common ground
Won't you pray for me and I'll pray for you
And one day love will bring us back around again
--
I know my steps are ordered ... I just wish I knew more about the destination and didn't have these scales on my eyes.
9 comments:
When I left Indiana in search of a different life at the age of 19, on my own in my mom's car with just a car full of stuff that I no longer have! :) My best friend of 3 years and I had "Pray for Me" as our theme. It was sad to go and know that "a chapter in our lives was through".
Today we have both been married for more then 10 years. We've both moved across many states in those 10 years multiple times and we both are going to be back in Indiana in a couple months! She's "as close as always" and it certainly "seems we've gone." But I like knowing that after 15 years of being gone from Indiana that I have maintained that friendship and many others to add to it since!
We will miss OP, but at least we have blogland! :)
Maybe the distance will encourage you into blogland more frequently, like has happened with BB. :)
I am embarrassed to say that while I have been by the Osceola cheese store many times, I never noticed the Damascus sign. I'm going to pay attention for it now. I've been meaning to get pictures of a few other things on the road between KC and Springfield for a while, so this should provide some motivation.
I think that "Pray for Me" is a better song than "Friends." It always struck me on a deeper level.
I think I've heard that song. Who sings it?
Nice to have another post from you. Deep thoughts by Dash. I had forgotten about that M.W.S. song.
MWS it is. I wasn't sure if that ways an amy grant song.
Dash, I know what you mean. I had a 17 day break and I thought I'd be able to post during that time, but I was to busy being lazy.
Very deep thoughts Dash. It is an interesting line of thought, Saul-the road to Damascus- and the changes we make in this life, whether our steps are ordered by God or ourselves. Taking that step of faith is easier each time though.
Ironically I was driving to Damascus Oregon the other day and was thinking of that verse too. Hopefully we'll see more of you in blogland.
Dash - never forget that this is a battlefield. Whatever you feel are weird doscombobulated emotions are merely wounds on a hero who is swinging his protective sword in battle. Goofy as hell - but this works for me.
We will miss having you guys there when we are in KC. May God bless all your new pursuits and provide the friends and outlets you'll need on the other end of all this.
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