Wine Country

Tomorrow my wife and I are taking off for a few days to see family in the Okanagan. It's been a pretty busy last couple of months, and I'm definitely looking forward to some R&R. Interestingly, I have mixed emotions in my heart about our time away. We spent two years in the Okanagan in what I will describe as the first real wilderness experience that the Lord took us through. When we left the island for the Okanagan back in early 2003, we thought we were going to the promised land. After being there for 6 months the Lord showed us that we were just passing through and that it was a stepping stone. Our love for the island grew stronger and stronger and we kept laying it down before the Lord -- wanting and desiring ONLY His will and purpose. It was a very enriching time for us, but also one where we hit rock bottom in many ways and wondered and sometimes screamed when will it end....??

HE..was so good to us, giving us the grace and patience to hold onto sometimes only a single thought -- knowing He was in full control...at all times, all places. We had to rediscover ourselves and who we were... Why did we believe? What was it all for? We got few answers..but strangely there was a silent comfort knowing that we didn't need to know what the answers were, and that He would not forsake us. It's almost like God said more to us in the silence, then could be done with words. Through a series of events, and (I will call them miracles) the Lord led us to where we are now - the next step of the journey... here again on the island -- our beloved home... in progress! God is so good. I stand amazed at what He has done -- He opens doors that man can't!

My heart is mixed because of course we haven't been back there for almost 6 months, and the Lord has in so many ways changed us, what we think, who we relate to, and how we relate to Him. Slowly the Lord has pulled back parts of the veil to show us what He is doing -- much is yet mostly a mystery. Going back, even for a few days is going to be an emotional roller coaster...seeing what we left behind, and seeing all the amazing things the Lord has done. He is such a big God -- it's overwhelming all the details of His plans... it's easier to let Him take care of business rather then do it ourselves!

Wow... as I write this, I'm warmed by the thought of the relationships He has given us, and the desire we have for Him in our hearts.. and wondering what it will be like to step out of the picture, even just for a few days.

Maybe, we'll bring back some wine :)