The Peace Passing Understanding

It's hard to believe how fast the past couple of months have gone. I guess the belated update would be that the trip home was successful and quick... made it from the Vancouver area to Oromocto, New Brunswick in just a little over 5 days, thanks to great weather and a wonderful second driver.

I arrived in Oromocto May 14, and started working at the church on May 18, making yesterday a bit of a landmark- I've reached the one month mark. I find myself almost feeling like I'm deflating... in a good way. The thought of having a permanent position, working with and among people without anticipating a farewell has allowed me a great deal of peace of mind. To look at some of the kids I've gotten to know here... in one family that I have quickly become attached to, in particular, and to know that I will (Lord willing) see their 13 and 14 year-old sons, and their 9 year-old daughter graduate from high school is like a breath of fresh air. I finally feel as thought I have arrived in a place where I am able to build some kind of a legacy... and Lord willing... a family.

The truth that I have learned over the past few months is that the will and calling of God is something which so often transcends our own understanding, and even appears to trangress our own desires, at least in the short term. The reality is, though, that God often leads us more through the doors he closes than the doors he opens. I've found over the past year or so, that there about 3 or 4 closed door for every open one. The closed doors are frustrating, but when we take it as a sign and move on, we do eventually come to the open door, and are led into a place of peace and rest... at least for a season. I maintain no illusions that the next years (or decades) of ministry in Oromocto are going to be free from trouble, stress, or closed doors. But all of these things I can face with confidence and in peace knowing that I am in the place that I am meant to be, at least for this season of my life.