The field or the town- Which do I choose?

After the whirlwind couple of weeks we have had, I have decided slowing down is just never going to be a option. My heart has been stomped on, squashed, pinched and thrown aside this last week, and that's O.K. In the midst of it all, I know God is doing His thing- showing me my own mistakes and teaching me more about who He is- full of grace and compassion, love and forgiveness. I wish that was my first reaction all the time...maybe someday.

I pulled out an old devotional I have always loved for my girl today, she was needing the encouragement and "Streams in the Desert" has always been a comfort to me. So funny God had me choose this book on this day- He knew I needed the message more than she did. This daily devotional book was originally published in 1925, and still feels so relevant. Check it out sometime, it's a great way to start the morning.

December 5th's message was simple- stop trying to show God how to get where you want to go, let Him take the lead.

"I said, "Let me walk in the field";
God said, "No, walk in the town";
I said, "There are no flowers there";
He said, "No flowers, but a crown".

I said, "The sky is black,
There is nothing but noise and din";
But He wept as He sent me back,
"There is more," He said, "there is sin."

I said, "But the air is thick,
And smog is veiling the sun";
He answered, "Yet souls are sick,
And your work is yet undone."

I said, "I will miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say";
He answered me "Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given;
He said, "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in Heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide."

I cast one look at the field,
Then set my face to the town;
He said, "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"

Then into His hand went mine,
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light Divine,
The path I had feared to see. -- George McDonald

Weeks like these, I long for the empty fields. It's easy to live Christian alone, with my horses and roses surrounding me- comfort and pleasure as my mission field. But I choose the town, Papa. Where I get to walk alongside your people, to love them and work for them and serve them everyday. No matter how hard it gets, or how much it hurts. Because this is where you want me.

"I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct His steps." Jeremiah 10:23

(Pics were a glimpse of the Hawaii trip. We hit the ground running, so I really haven't had time to process it all- but someday I will give you the details...QUITE the adventure!)