Abundantly More... in Texas

I have been thinking about what to write to capture this move and this transition. Last week, I moved from Columbia, SC, where I have lived the last four years, to Waco, TX, about 1000 miles away from there to start a new chapter in my life.

I guess it would be easy to say I moved for work. I accepted a new position at Baylor University. It's true, that is the impetus, but really the reason goes deeper. I feel called to be here. I'm not sure why, but over the last several months, as I prayed, though, talked through this decision, I really have sensed God leading me here. I'm not sure what God has in store for me here. I do think part of it is the job. I have a passion for students and teaching and investing in the lives of young people. And I so want to be salt and light, to make a difference in their lives for Christ, to help them discover God's purpose and His plans for their lives.

But I also think I am here for me, that I need to be here. Last year, I started reading a book called "Holy Ambition" and it talked about wanting to do great things for God. It was an incredibly powerful and poignant book based on Nehemiah. And about four or five chapters in, I stonewalled. I couldn't do anything else with the book. It talked about building a strategic plan and connecting with other Christians who shared the same passions; it talked about being a contagious Christian and bringing others along with me. What I realized is that I really struggle with that. I have been fortunate to be blessed with so much Christian community, but when it comes down to it, I still have strong tendencies to be a solo-Christian, just me & God. I have strong convictions, but too often instead of sharing those, I live them out on my own. As I was preparing to leave Columbia, I realized how much I didn't bring others along with me - at work, at church, with community stuff; so much of the stuff that I did, I did alone, just me. Instead of involving others, I get so focused on what I am doing. God is showing me that's not what He wants. He wants US to be the church, to work together, to edify each other, to partner together for His kingdom.

I am excited about being at a Christian university, one that takes its Christian mission seriously. I am excited about discovering what it is like to connect with others who share the same passions and convictions. I am excited about finding a church here and seeking out those who have different gifts than me. I am excited to see what God has to teach me about serving, about humility, about being a part of His body and His team.

I have a feeling those will be some hard lessons for me. As I look back, though, on the Christian community that He has blessed me with, wonderful church family in place after place, I think of how sweet it is to be in that fellowship and that community. How much greater it will be to deepen those bonds and to be useful together with others in service to Christ and to the world.