Well the family and I are home and have finally adjusted to being back in California…mostly. The trip was wonderful. It’s an experience that neither the kids nor my wife and I will soon forget. But now I face a dilema…sort of. I really, REALLY liked Tennessee. The scenery is beautiful, the cost of living is lower, and the people are nicer. It’s a slower pace of living back there. I’ve lived in California for 32 years but I have to confess my heart never really left the South. Also, my dad lives there now. I’d really like to live closer to him.
That’s the dilema. I’ve got roots in this dusty old city now. My kids have friends here. God led me to a good church with good people in it. I’ve got good job prospects here. I own my hangar at the airport and have my airplane based there. I’ve got some good friends at the airport. But oh, my heart, my heart. My heart is pulling me back to the South. The green trees, the four seasons, the history, the culture. And family.
The elders at my church stress multi-generational living. At least they do with each other, I’ve not heard them espouse it to the congregation much. It’s a good concept but I’m glad they don’t push it too much. I for one can’t afford it. I’ve made several comments about properties that some of the elders own which I’m afraid they must construe as jealousy. I would have to admit to some jealousy, but it’s not malicious. Mostly I’m just dissatisfied that I can’t live that way. At least…not here.
Such is the dilema. Do I stay in California and enjoy my church, my friendships, my job? Or do I move to Tennessee where I can be close to my father and have land that I can build a house for my son and enjoy that multigenerational living that some here enjoy? Do I stay and enjoy being with my airplane buddies and having my own hangar? Or do I go and live where I can afford to build another hangar? Do I go and be close to my father and quite possibly be the only example of true Christianity he may have witnessed for some time.
I just want to make sure I’m not stepping out in faith only to trip over my own feet. I want to make sure that it is our Sovereign God that is guiding me to go, or to stay. But then I guess that since He is sovereign, I have no choice but to do his will.
Show me your will O Lord that I might please you.
Just got back from an overnight camping trip with my family. What made this particular trip fun was that we camped in the front yard of some friends from church. What was particularly fun about camping in our friend’s front yard is the location of that yard. They live just up the hill from Mountain Ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills, what’s known as gold country to the tourists. The views from their property are stunning. About 10 families fom showed up for the evening bonfire and then to camp overnight.
with rocks. I stumbled upon about 20 deer who slowly started ambling away after they noticed me. All those who had stayed were treated to a hearty breakfast cooked by our hosts. Pastries, muffins, home cooked biscuits with butter and honey, and a turkey and egg quiche. There was more than enough for everyone. Breakfast was eaten on our hosts deck overlooking the above meadow and looking up at the craggy bluffs above their home. The only sound was the chatter of the children and birds.
