Goodbyes

3,040 miles in a couple of days sounds good. Throw in my five year old son Elijah and two year old daughter, Evangeline, and it sounds awesome! I love road-tripping, but having the two kids with me makes it even better knowing that we’ll share some great memories together. 

But before we could get into the car and take off, I had to say some very painful good-byes. All of the hugs and tears of leaving all those whom I’ve invested so heavily and not knowing who will take my place. Leaving all those who have been family to me over the last 17 years. Leaving my stupid dog whom I already stinking miss. Leaving my best-man and so many other great friends. And leaving my parents, who have been my sponsors, mentors and cheerleaders all these years. I was picking up one last thing at the church and dropping off my keys when the blubbering started. It was a little gross to be honest. 

In the midst of all of the pain and heartache, I’ve been reminded of a couple things:

One, the call of God does not equate to an easy life. I’ve heard that the will of God is the safest place to be. Are you kidding me? Following Jesus means death. I say that with a smirk, but it’s true. Being in the will of God is the best place to be, no doubt. But not the safest- it requires sacrifice and pain and a bit of recklessness. 

Two, death always leads to life. This is one of the great truths that we who follow Jesus have to hold on to. Obedience doesn’t mean easy, but it always, unequivocally, without fail leads to life. Saying good-bye and actually leaving was like trying to wrench off a wedding ring from an old man that had gained 50 pounds over the years- not easy. But even though it was hard, it was right. 

The fam and I have been called to serve an amazing community of people and it’s obedience to this call that somehow makes the dying worth living. It makes it life-giving. 

So, tonight, the kids and I are in a little town called Beaver, UT. They are asleep in bed and I’m typing this...and I can honestly say that we are going in the right direction. Only 2,500 miles to go :)

-Justin