A Nomadic Calling
What a crazy, enlightening, disappointing, heartbreaking, adventuresome weekend I have had!!
My hubby and I finally were able to visit our son, who lives 4 hours away. It had been 5 months since we had seen him last! So, I was beyond excited to be able to see him again!
The first day there, we were informed that he would be moving to Detroit, Michigan in a few months with an old friend. He also informed us that he was in a "relationship" with a girl and they were thinking about also having her move there, as well. Last of all, he informed us that he wanted nothing to do with being a Christian. In fact, he made fun of Christianity, during the time we were visiting him. At first, I was so heartbroken that I thought the weekend would be ruined.
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The next day, we had breakfast at a cute little cafe' and tea room in town.
The discussion started out tense, but by the end of our meal, we decided to go hiking at a local lake.
The rest of the time that we spent together went better, but my heart was still breaking.
But, because of this string of events, I have come to several conclusions:
1.) Our son is now fully and independently an adult. He makes his own choices/has his own set of beliefs and they are completely opposite of ours.(and the faith that we raised him in.)
2.) Throughout his lifetime and especially in the last couple of years, since he moved away, my prayers had been fervent, asking God to give him a heart for the Lord and that it would be while he was young, so that we may be able to enjoy a shared faith for many, many years. But, I’m tired. I’m at the end of my rope. I need a break! And there’s nothing wrong with that!
3.) In a few weeks, the three of us will be taking a 2 week vacation – an adventure along the west coast. As we went on our hike this weekend, we all realized that, even though we have many differences, we all REALLY enjoy hiking, sight-seeing, and camping out in nature. We all are looking forward to spending time together, doing what we all do love!
4.) Last, but not least, my hubby and I are REALLY contemplating what we will do after retirement in a few years. We really have nothing holding us back from ANYTHING, now! Travel is at the top of our list. And camping/van dwelling(at least part-time) is the way we want to do it. This upcoming vacation is like a trial run, as we have rented a campervan to camp in during our time together. If all goes well, we will begin the process of building our own custom camper from a basic utility van. (I have checked into this and it has been done and Youtube videos were made, giving directions on how it is done.)
I feel like this will be a chance for my hubby and I to regroup our thoughts, learn to enjoy life as just the two of us, and figure out what our calling will be during this new season of our lives.
Recently, I wrote on "Simplifying our lives" and "Being Authentic". I feel this was no accident, as I feel like we may be called to be NOMADS,. Yes, I said nomads!
The term “nomad” comes from the Greek form of a Latin word meaning “to graze.” Nomads were wandering shepherds who moved their families and their flocks They lived in tents and took with them only what clothing and supplies they had to have. (http://bibleresources.americanbible.org/resource/nomads-wandering-herders)
Examples of nomads:
- The Nomadic Lifestyle of the Ancient Hebrews - Many Biblical characters, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and others, lived a nomadic lifestyle. A nomad lived in tents and traveled from location to location in search of water and pastures for their livestock.
- Jesus’ disciples left their families, their homes, jobs, everything, to live a nomadic lifestyle and preach the Word. - Mark 10:30 (http://www.mainstreet-churchofchrist.com/WrittenLessons/Mark_10.htm)
- Jesus Christ was a nomad - Watch this video about a book called "Holy Nomad"...
Linking up at these blog hops:
Thank you for sharing the difficult and authentic here at The Weekend Brew this week. I will be praying for you as you transition into new areas. I will also be praying for your son as he learns to find his way in our world. Blessings long the way!
ReplyDeleteDon't give up praying and believing for your son. I'm sure He prove faithful to you. Sounds like you have some really cool adventures ahead. Keep a journal handy and write what He gives you. I'm considering taking the summer off myself. It's been a little overwhelming lately keeping up.
ReplyDeleteHi Ann! Please know that I'm praying for you and for your family! I know the heartache of a child who turns away from the beliefs they were raised in. It can be hard, and like you wrote, tiring! We do need a break from the worry...and thankfully, our God promises to lift our burdens when we give our cares to Him! I'm hanging onto this verse: "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6) Even though my daughter has chosen to turn her back on Christianity (and all those who are Christians) I am trusting that God is doing a work in her. He's doing a work in your son, too. It may take many years for their testimonies to come full circle, but I am believing that it will happen because the seed of faith was planted in them many years ago...In time, it will grow and bloom and we'll all be rejoicing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings for a great week!
Love, Joan
P.S. Can't wait to see you!!
Your travel plans sound fantastic! I look forward to adventure in our future, but it is a way off yet. I just wanted to encourage you to hold fast to His promises in Isaiah 54:17 and Proverbs 22:6. When we train them in the way they should go, they will not depart from it and great shall be their final peace because they do KNOW of the Lord. This is a time when your prayers have such depth and you are partnering with the only One who can change every wayward heart.
ReplyDeleteAnd truthfully, when we connect on levels that we do agree it paves the way to talk about all the things that we don't agree on. Don't lose hope, God has big plans for our kids when we give them to him. Rom 15:13, Jer 29;11.
Blessings,
Dawn
Eek! I don't think my original comment posted. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate how authentically you are walking out this time of transition. I think it's really interesting how you are in the process of letting go of your son (in a good way that allows you to love and accept him just as he is) and letting go of the old ways of living your life. There is an adventure to be had and you aren't letting your disappointments stand in the way of the new things God has for you.
ReplyDelete