I am in Houston and visiting my family and friends. My mom and sister live in my house in Houston and my boys and I are staying in my old home. I must admit that I miss my house however; I do not miss the weather in Houston. The humidity is horrible. I also realized that there are two things in my life that I need to sustain me. One is mountains and the other is stars. You can’t find those two things in Houston.
Being here I am surrounded by memories of the beginning of my journey away from a life that I considered fruitless and unproductive. When I left Houston I felt like I was running away from failure and a life of settling for second best. It was only when I started seminary that I realized that I was actually running towards the calling which God placed on my life. The concept of running soon gave way to a notion of purpose.
When I first moved to New Mexico there was a little room that I stayed in at my church. I felt completely safe from everything and everyone in that room. I was afraid of being found. I quickly discovered that my life was based on fear. I had mixed feelings of being afraid of the past and excited about the possibilities which were before me.
It was in that little room that I discovered the promise of Psalm 139. God was present with me in that little room. My running would be used for the glory of the one who I know as the unknown God. It was in that little room that I discovered the source of my strength which would encourage me and sustain me through one of the most frightening times in my life.
Today I am thankful for that little room. I am thankful that God radically searches me out for a relationship. No matter where I choose to hide, I can never out run God. It is great to remember this wonderful promise. This “vacation” is more about gratitude and less about rest.
From a Pastor's Point of View 