Sunday 24 November 2013

A time to tear down...

One of the things about my Lego layouts is that they never stay the same for very long, typically 18 months to 2 years. It's the building up I get most out of rather than the playing with. Inevitably that means taking apart as well to rebuild.

And having spent 8 weeks building my current layout earlier this year, it's about to be taken to pieces ready to move on, and move on in more ways than one. Earlier this year I was told that the funding for my current post was likely to run out, and then in September I was told formally I would be made redundant at the end of the year. The job search was on. Sparing you the details, after a couple of virtual interviews, I spent a weekend at Williamsburg United Methodist Church in the USA being interviewed in person and by the end of the trip had signed a contract to become their Director of Youth Ministries. Assuming the visa comes through I start in March or April next.

All of this means change. For me, for my family in Ireland, friends, for the young people I've had the joy of knowing and serving here, for the Lego. (I do have a new layout plan emerging already though!).

I've always liked to think I could follow Jesus' challenge to leave everything behind and follow him. To go wherever he wants me to serve him. And yes, I've chosen to accept this post, and others over the years rather than being told "You're going there". But with those choices go consequences. The Lego is coming with me, but will have to be entrusted to a shipping company for up to 3 months. Every time I prayed about this job God answered simply "trust me". I did, but with difficulty at times, because I can be impatient. I want to make this move, to follow Jesus wherever he leads me. I guess I'll have to trust the shipping company too..

And so the packing starts. More tubs have been bought and the layout is gradually being taken to pieces and the individual bricks being sorted. Over the coming months there will be more packing, numerous farewells and lots of change. A time to tear down and pack up yes, but that also means a time to build and create new friendships and a new layout are just around the corner.