It's Rough

 My devotion today is Psalm 32:8

 "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for you life.

 I will advise you and watch over you.'" 

Ah, sweet words but even when you know where He is telling you to go, it can be rough.

It's not going to be easy for me to leave Africa.

I have been having moments, as my last day draws near (less than 2 weeks), of being angry with God, moments where I challenge or even doubt His plan. This morning I had the opportunity to listen to Beth Moore's telling of the time when God told her to brush an old man's long grey unkempt hair (he was a total stranger). It is a beautiful story of humility and obedience and of seeing God use it for His glory. Step by step I am transitioning back to living in America, something I honestly cannot picture after 7 years in Africa. But God has been faithful to show me again and again over the years, that He can be trusted. And His way unfolds something beautiful and usually has an unexpected blessing attached.

 I moved a lot as a child and know that there are good points and not so good things about every place. (Africa has it's not so good points too, just different ones than the U.S.) My goal when I land in Oklahoma, is to recognize and appreciate the good and to recognize and make peace with the things that might not be so good or just different enough that I miss where I was. 

Trust and obey.  Even when sometimes it is tough to actually do. One step at a time.
This step is goodbyes and trust.

Psalm 32:8 has more impact to me though when I add verse 9 

"Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." 

Ouch! 

Here's to trusting God and and my new pathway (it is the best)! 

And to remembering to not be... yeah, you know what I mean.

Have a great day!

Asikulumisane

With just over 2 weeks before I leave Africa, I'm enjoying reflecting on this FB post from 5 years ago about my favorite Siswati word ... Asikulumisane "ah-see-coo-loo-me-saw-nee". So in the spirit of this Timehop, may I communicate how much I love the people in my life on this side of the ocean, that have touche my life over the past 7 years!
To those I have worked with (including those who preceded me in leaving Africa), those who have let me high five twirl them, all those I have offended, all who have loved on me...and so many more...I leave my love and admiration. You have helped me to listen better, be more relational and to "let things go" because "it will sort" (even my moving back to the states). I will miss you deeply but rest in the knowledge that one day, whether in Africa or in our eternal mansions, we WILL dance and sing and twirl together again!