Relationships Matter
We just returned from an incredible time with IJM on a staff retreat at an amazing retreat center. Check it out. The family at IJM is truly incredible. They are a model of Christian community and the most incredible example that I have witnessed of a truly God-fearing, accountable Christian work environment. I feel priviledged and blessed to have been invited into this family and have experienced incredible facets of the body of Christ. My view of the Christian body has been dramatically impacted by my short stay at IJM HQ.
I wanted to write a couple thoughts on the topic of "Why Miami?" or even "Why move? AGAIN?". It is probably clear that Kellie and I love being part of IJM and the work they are doing. That factor made our decision even more difficult. But, what I have realized in the past 2 months is that Kellie and Eli are my primary ministry, and they need to be my focus. I need to learn to be the best father and husband that I can be. I believe that is what God has called me to. I also believe that I can't be the best father and husband when I am commuting 3 or 4 hours a day, after a 9 hour work day. We have looked at other possible options in DC -- renting, moving in closer, working from home during a day or two -- but we feel that the BEST decision for our family at this time is to take the offer to move to Miami, work with Kevin Finn at propeller and be close to home.
We are sad and excited at the same time. Everything has happened so quickly. We thank God for this experience. We have grown so much as a family. We have grown spiritually and emotionally. God has really revealed to us the meaningful aspects of life, and that is what we plan to live for -- relationships. Our relationship with our God and Father, the Creator of Life itself. Our relationship with our family, those that God has surrounded us with as our lifelong community. Our relationships with our extended family, those that support and protect us, and that let us fall down but help us back to our feet as we learn our way through this life. And also those individuals that God brings into our lives for a season - whether that season be short-lived or lifelong. When it comes down to it, above all else relationships matter.
We'll keep things posted on the blog as we pack up and roll south. Right now here is the plan. We'll continue packing today through next Thursday. We will pick up a truck from Richmond on Thursday, October 14 (its over $1100 cheaper to pick it up in Richmond than the DC area) and load up. Kellie and Eli will fly to Jacksonville on the 14th. We'll drive the truck and the JEEP down to Jacksonville on Friday, stay overnight, and then Kellie and Eli will join us for the final leg to Miami on Saturday. We'll unload, settle in and maybe even take a swim on Sunday.
God's plan is always exciting. And God is always good.
posted by Kellie # 7:39 AM
