Since Then…

This was one year ago today: a page from my diary.

Now, a year later, the ride downhill is long over and the trek up a new one is still in progress. This particular hill is in the desert. The manna from Heaven is abundant, but the sand in our shoes is uncomfortable; the heat is draining. Water is plentiful but we constantly have to drink it or we suffer the headaches of depression and a terrible thirst for joy. There have, however, been several oases along the way: staying at friends’ houses while they travel, good times with treasured friends, and camping trips.

I sense that we’re either coming to an end in this journey or we’re about to round a bend. God is quietly but steadily allowing His hand to be seen and His presence to be felt, moreso than when we first began this journey. Or maybe not. Maybe I’m just paying more attention…

Nevertheless, it’s been quite a year. I can truthfully say it’s been one of the best. Our time in the desert has been spent patiently plugging along, day by day, as God unties various knots of bondage in our lives—to material possessions, to past mistakes, to fear, to guilt…we are truly learning to fly!

I suspect this hill doesn’t have a downward turn. I suspect this hill’s upward climb leads right to a ledge. But it won’t be a dead-end. Oh no.

It’ll be the launching site, into What’s Next, into an exhilarating opportunity to put into practice the freedoms we’ve learned on this journey!

At least, that’s what I *think* is coming up. You never really know with God. And often, He lets you guess so you can be that much more surprised when you find out what He’s REALLY up to (and you realize you were wrong!).

But I do know one thing is for sure—at some point, we *will* be flying. Cos God doesn’t give you wings for walking. ☆