Wow! Reflection can be eye opening and struggles can be powerful!

I thought of an interesting truth that I find funny and inspiring during this time in my life. I am always shocked at how different life is turning out for me than I thought it would. So here is the truth that I have come to realize....

"Leave it to Luke to take me as far from my comfort zone as I can possibly be, but leave it to God to make me okay and even excited about it"

Luke and I were recently discussing my reaction 2 years ago when he told me that we was looking into going to seminary in California. He remembers my response being "Well, I am not going there". HAHA "Typical"... some of you may think if you know how stubborn I can be sometimes. Through those next 2 years I prayed that God would make my heart okay with whatever He wanted. Whether it was that we would no longer be together because of the move or to help me find peace about a move across the country. Slowly but surely I allowed myself to really become open to the possibility of moving and serving alongside Luke in California. Through prayer and an open mind God has given me great peace about the move. I am shocked at this movement that has occurred in me. So shocked and thrilled about the move and changes in me that I find myself feeling guilty for being excited and eager to get the new chapter started. I know that this is Satan attempting to attack on the peace that I have found through Jesus. I can't tell you the exact day and time that God started to change my heart about this future that is to come, however, I can say that the gradual process has been beautiful. Not easy... but beautiful! Don't get me wrong I still have times where I dread how much I will miss my family and friends here in Douglasville. But I am so thrilled to be serving and with a person that I love and know loves me less than he loves Jesus, but strives to love me like Jesus loves and cherishes me. I would be willing to say that if 3 years ago someone said to me "You will be marrying Luke and moving across the country to CALIFORNIA" I would have laughed or been terrified. I am finding that when God is in control things are not simple but are meaningful and life stirring. For me this has come partly through the realization that following Christ is not only about following him when the request matches our desires, but following and allowing Him to make our desires the same as His. I am so thankful that He has been able to mold my desires into His even through my stubbornness and Type A personality. Everyday comes with challenges, but I have found joy in struggling through them.