I wanna go back to.. EGYPT!

2018 has started out with many challenges/opportunities for my life.

• My employment status has become a bit 'spotty', though I am thankful to start a new job next week once my background check comes back.  LOL, what kind of dirt can this background check uncover on a 60 year old, church attending, non drinking, Scandinavian who has been married to the same wonderful woman for almost 34 years, and regularly is seen with his grandchildren?  Hmmm.. maybe this is all a front for the Minnesota Mob.. most likely NOT!
• Also, my wife and I just bought a Town home near our grown kids and their families.  This is a wonderful change but also like any move has come with plenty of work as we settle in.

I add in my penchant for looking back at mistakes in my life including a season where drink was on it's way to ruining all that I had. These regrets are mixed with thankfulness for God's protection and restoration through my bumbles and stumbles.

So sometimes.. like the children of Israel in Exodus.. I want to go back to Egypt.  Ok, in my case it would be rural Wisconsin, but the point is I want to go back to a place and time where it was simpler and a chance to redo all that I should NOT HAVE done.

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This 'Exodus' from Egypt was filled with miracles, signs, and wonders by the very hand of God was lost on them when their stomachs were heard growling in the wilderness. Their faces were long, stomachs empty, and their memories short.  Oh sure God parted the Red Sea so we would not be killed, BUT what has he done for us lately? 

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When I was younger reading this story of God's deliverance I sometimes shook my head thinking how sad they had such little faith, and such short memories.  I would NEVER be so ungrateful, BUT.. upon further review.. I think I sadly would have been among friends.

I would like to say I would be Moses right hand man, I more likely would have been the guy crossing the Red Sea wearing water wings, and a flotation device nabbed back at the Nile YMCA.

I'm so tired but I have too much to do.  My trees from the forest vantage point tells me foolishly life will NEVER be better again. I am getting older, my eyesight, hearing, aches and pains, and the grey in my beard remind me of that daily. 

I can't do it.. I don't want to do it. Where is God? Can't he see I am unhappy?  Can't he see my pouty face?  Just ask my wife, my pouty face is hard to miss.

WRITE IT ON A ROCK..
Years ago I heard a sermon at church where our pastor gave the instruction.. To take note of when God answers your prayers in both big and small ways... and WRITE IT ON A ROCK.  Meaning make a permanent record of God's providence in our lives to remind us when we are in 'trees from forest mode.'

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and finally .. 
Trust God with all our hearts and lean not in our own understanding.  In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. Pr 3:5-6.

May God bless each of you with his promise of provision even when you cry out "My God my God why have you forsaken me". Wait patiently, remain faithful, stay the course, don't live in the past, and .. cancel that ticket to Egypt.

Blessings

Jeff ​​

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