goodbye, hello, Madison, and Pasadena

We spent the entirety of today packing…organizing…lifting…

We spent the day feeling overwhelmed…both at the enormity of what is taking place and at the love and support we are surrounded by.  For the last month, Krissy and I have been shown to a new level what it means to have family and friends that “have our backs.” 

Trying to describe the kind of feelings that have surfaced in the last several weeks as this move approached is impossible. 

I am at a loss.  I don’t know where to begin. 

The last month or so contained two of the most exciting things I have ever experienced…first, getting married and now beginning a new journey to a new location with my best friend. 

These two things are the hardest things that I have ever done.

The next three days will find us traveling across the country.  Madison, WI to Pasadena, CA. 

1,981 miles. 

That’s a long way from home.

I am terrified.  I am excited.  I am crying.  I am joyful.  I am a child.  I am an adult.  I sometimes feel conflicted inside. 

In four days, on Thursday, we will be arriving in Pasadena. 

We don’t know what waits for us there.  Neither of us have ever been there.  We don’t know anyone there.  We will arrive with all of our earthly belongings in a large moving truck. 

We will be exhausted.  It will be a trying journey. 

Through it all…I feel that I am the luckiest man alive. 

God,

You have been with us for the last 22 years and have continued to show your faithfulness in ways that we don’t expect or deserve.  Be with us over the next four days.  We pray that through this journey, we will find ourselves closer to You.  Give us the strength that we need to get through the days, years, and decades ahead.  Give us courage.  Give us guidance. 

I am surrendering these feelings to you, LORD.  I don’t always know what to do or how to do it.  I am just now learning what it means to follow You.  No matter what is waiting on the other side of this journey, both the short term journey to California and the life-long sojourn towards You, I will follow.

Grant us traveling mercies, both on the road leading west and in the deepest places in our hearts.  Grant us grace so that we might discover what it means to truly love and live.

Amen