I Wore a Tie and Wished I Hadn't

This morning it became officially official. I stood beside my Sr. Pastor and told the church we were headed to Kenya. Surprisingly most of the comments weren't about my departure, but more about my tie. Actually I think it was every one's (including me) way of dealing with the hard truth that God was calling us away. The second comment I got from everyone was how excited they were to see us responding to God's leading.

But it got me thinking... which can be dangerous at times.

I've worn a tie on stage a total of three times at VRBC. The first was on the day I was hired. The third was on the day I was resigned. BUT the second.... well the second was what my Pastor called this morning an "open your eyes" experience. The second happened half way through our ministry at Valley Ranch. I'll never forget the call I got and the two weeks that it started. The second time I wore a tie on stage was as I stood over the casket of the only student I've lost in 15 years of student ministry. I still have his picture taped to the inside leaf of my Bible. I put it there to remind me to ask; remind me to ask the only question that counts in this world. I never did. I thank God that the young man's family knew that He was a Christ follower, but it doesn't quench my thirst because I never asked. I'll never make that mistake again.

I want to encourage you to walk this week in the sobering thought that the people around you aren't guaranteed tomorrow, you aren't guaranteed tomorrow. Ask the question.

I wore a tie to get hired four and half years ago. I wore a tie today so that honestly my mom wouldn't get on a plane, fly over here and spank me on this important day. But I'd give almost anything to of never worn that second tie. Lord... give me strength to ask.

Praying this week for the Stickneys:

*The final details would be worked out and the container to ship our things would be set for mid May.

*As packing begins that it would all make sense where to go and how to go there.

*ACO's Society status to move forward this week, getting us closer to having access to long term visas in Kenya.

*Stress of the unknown and mess wouldn't effect Tom & Kerry's parenting or their relationship with each other.

*Finances to make the move and yearly budget numbers would begin to come in.

*Prayer for Sydney & Nathan-Raegan's Teachers at Greensteads. That God would already be creating a special place in their hearts for them.

*God would put a special person in our lives that would already be in place to assist Sydney with any learning obstacles.