Should I Stay or Should I Go?
I think I’ve displayed on this blog so far how much I love obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I also work to keep my life prioritized according to Scripture: God first, my husband second, and my children third. Sometimes, though, in the midst of busy lives, that order doesn’t stay as clean as we would like it to.
Two weekends ago, I spent time with Samaritan’s Feet and left the weekend feeling full to overflowing with the time I spent in God’s presence. During my time in Florida with Samaritan’s Feet, I also had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with my dad, who has Parkinson’s Disease. When I got home I was presented with an opportunity to travel to NYC with one of my good friends and attend Hillsong’s Colour Conference, geared to women in ministry. What an incredible chance to be filled once for a second consecutive weekend!
Friday morning my friend called me and (prophetically, as it turns out) assured me that if I didn’t want to make the trip, it was okay. In turn, I promised her that I was on my way home to grab my suitcase and head to the airport. I had booked my ticket weeks earlier and invited this friend to join me for the trip. But as I got closer and closer to the airport, I began to feel increasingly unsettled about taking the trip. I was eager to be a part of the incredible conference, yes, but I am also in the midst of an incredibly busy season personally and professionally.
I pulled into the Charlotte Douglas Airport, into the departures lane, and kept right on driving to the airport exit and right back home. I couldn’t make the peace in my spirit to go, and as soon as I made the turn to head home, I felt that peace that surpasses all understanding cover me like a blanket. I knew that I had tuned into the proper frequency to hear God ask me to stay.
There are times in our lives when the Lord urges us to move… to go. Those times can be scary, daring, exciting. There are other times that He is quietly prompting us to stay put and rest in Him. Those times are full of encouragement, refreshment and peace. Instead of becoming a part of a bustling Manhattan skyline, I spent Mother’s Day weekend as a part of my bustling home, surrounded by my people… the ones God has given me to steward and enjoy. And that was exactly what my full cup needed.