Continued from Yesterday…
Saturday the 25th of September was Jenni’s 32nd birthday, I had no way of buying her the type of gift I would like to. Her friend Mikey really wanted to take her out for a spa day so I had blocked out the whole afternoon on our shared google calendar. It just said “special date” in the notes it mentioned baby sitting was arranged. She was asking me all week what this meant and I just vaguely blew her off. She kinda hates surprises but Mikey really wanted it to be a surprise so I played along.
When by 11:00 or so on Saturday she was getting really inquisitive about what to wear and all that so I gave her as much as I could without spilling the beans so she would relax about it. Finally Mikey show up and says surprise you are hanging out with me. It was kind of cool to see that Jenni was very happy to hang with a really close friend for the day but a little disappointed she wasn’t on a date with me. In our past she would have been totally happy to have the day with a friend but we are much closer now and that is a good thing!
The next week leading up to our El Paso trip I don’t remember a lot of new revelations or experiences. I continued to read the book by Bill Johnson and kind of soak in my new understanding of the “Holy Spirit” and the peace I was experiencing. Their was the mounting concern about contacting our Land Lord about being jobless and unable to pay our rent in full or on time. Fortunately he has always been more than fair with us. I knew he would be willing to work with us but you never know how someone will respond to “I lost my job and can’t pay rent”.
Wednesday evening my Mom and Grandma show up to stay at our house and watch our children during our trip to El Paso. My Mom immediately asked the question, “are you sure you want to go off to El Paso and take my Grandchildren so far away”?
We reminded her that we had no idea, that is why we had to go check it out and see where God was leading. We knew she would not try to stop us from following God’s call but she did want to be near her kids and Grand kids. it’s good to be loved and have family close by. Many times family can be used as an excuse to not follow God’s leading so we must listen and check our motives.
Our trip started at 5:ooa.m. on Thursday…
What a coincidence… your post about my birthday surprise for Jenni was published on my birthday!
Thank you for being so generous with your wife and your family time, and allowing me to spoil her a little bit on her birthday… and for being so supportive of our friendship!
As for your mom’s question… you know, I’m wondering pretty much the same – “Are you sure you want to go off to El Paso and take my Jenni so far away?”
I love you guys, and am eagerly awaiting the next part of your journey. Even if that takes you to El Paso.
Mikey,
I am just so glad you finally have a friend:-)
Just kidding…
I love that you guys have bonded so much and are so good for each other. Please still be friends even if we move. Time share vacations!!!!
I do remember you saying we’d have split custody of Jenni…
whatever. if we go. you go with us.
umm… then I guess you’re not going… YAY!
For some reason I didn’t have Brian on google reader. And I haven’t been on twitter as much, so I missed the tweets. Until today. Went back & started at the beginning.
I am weepy now! Being jobless for almost 2 years has been the hardest 2 years of my life. I thought going thru treatment for addiction was hard!
See, I still blame myself for our financial problems. If I hadn’t done the many things I did in active addiction, I would still have my job & my professional license wouldn’t be on probation. We would have had that income. We wouldn’t have had to move to WA. We would be in our home of 20+ years.
But, God had different ideas!! I truly believe I am here for a purpose. Something to do with my passion for God & my recovery. I passed the law exam for WA, but no word from the Board yet on whether they will accept me. $1000 in application fees and hours studying and I my impatience is showing through!!
And I wouldn’t have met you guys! Wish we were just a little closer! You & Jenni inspire me. To never give up. To rely on God. To literally get on my knees. Give it all up. To a God who is always right here. Willing to take on my every pain. My every need. Unconditionally.
Thanks to you both. Because it is a story about all 4 of you. And what God has in store for you next. And how all that has been your life has prepared you for it! God doesn’t like it when we get too comfortable!! Hang on tight, it could get a little bumpy…..
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