Take A Chance

 

In 1979 Greg and I drove through Douglas County Oregon on our way to visit family in California. In May it was breathtakingly beautiful in Oregon. We returned home to Washington State with Oregon in our heats.

We lived in a new home in a lovely neighborhood, and Greg had a great job. We were not unhappy, but a longing for change grew in our soul. We knew we belonged in Oregon and couldn't see ourselves living any other place.

The country was in a deep recession at that time. And Douglas Couty had an incredibly high unemployment rate. Jobs were not just few and far between, they almost didn't exist. But we were certain Oregon was where we belonged, so we prayed for guidance and made plans for the move.

Our friends and family thought we'd lost our minds, but we were confident and courageous ... and a bit foolish. After all, we were young. 

We decided to make a trip down to search for property but didn't find just the right place so we returned home with our dreams a bit bruised but intact and we still hoped that one day we would become Oregonians. 

Not long after that a property opened up that we were interested in, and we made a deal.

Our home sold quickly, and soon all was in readiness. We headed south with our three-year-old son and newborn baby girl. It was a new beginning.

Forty-two years later I am still enchanted by the beauty of my hometown with it's warm and friendly residents. I can still drive down the highway or step out onto my deck and be captivated at God's handiwork and feel deeply blessed that He has allowed me to live here.

In this place, we've experienced deep joy and wretched sorrow. We've raised our children and have lived alongside our grandchildren. We've celebrated birthdays and heavenly home-goings. We've cheered for local athletes and been impressed by the talented folks in our little town. We've also shared the deep sorrow of a community that felt as if it had lost everything only to discover we were not undone ... that God is with us.

All those years ago, Greg and I could have done the "sensible" thing. We could have stayed put where we were comfortable and "safe". I am so thankful for the young, confident, courageous and yes, a bit foolish, us. I'm glad we didn't allow fear to keep us from stepping out and daring to live a different life, the one God wanted for us. 

Here I am gazing upon the beauty that surrounds me and praying I still possess that same spirit of adventure that helped me to take a risk. I would hate to miss out on whatever God still has in store for me.

How about you? Are you ready to step out? 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

Thoughts For Today: Feeling Overwhelmed

I'm sitting in my office, with boxes of books and other office "stuff" piled around me. We're moving . . . again.

I'm kind of stunned, actually. The last few years we've moved from one of our houses to another several times. It feels like we've been playing musical houses. And I don't really like the game. But family circumstances make it necessary and it's not a big sacrifice, but it is a lot of work.

I like the other house (the main house). It's the place where I raised my kids. It's bigger and it feels cozy.

This morning I'm feeling a bit undone. There's so much to do and everyone in my family is busy, including me. I've got a book that needs editing along with a whole list of other responsibilities. And it all feels like too much.

Yesterday I read a note on Facebook meant for a friend of mine who is undergoing cancer treatment. The comment said, "In order to eat an elephant you have to do it one bite at a time." I've heard this before, but the reminder is a good one. I feel like I'm standing before that elephant.

I've discovered that as I get older little things tend to throw me off balance (figuratively and in reality). I get to feeling overwhelmed easily. I'm sure part of it has to do with my physical disabilities. I get frustrated. I used to be the roll up your sleeves and get to work type of person. I was in "charge" of my life, and these days I have to relinquish that role and abdicate to others.  I'm dependent on other people and in all honesty it sometimes makes me feel kind of useless.

When I think on that I wonder if maybe that's exactly where God wants for me right now. I need to learn to place my life in His hands.

God is clear. He tells me without hesitation that He has a plan for my life and it is a plan to bless me and not harm me. And He tells me that I can do all things through Him. I believe Him. And it is my heart's desire to live according to that belief. However, I  must admit that it is easier said than done. Sheesh, sometimes I wonder if I'll ever grow up in my faith.

I'm going to give it a try and do my best to put aside my frustration and rest in the Lord. But I could really use your prayers.  Thanks so much. I'll be in touch again, from my new office next door.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie03