Being Planted

I often refer to my life as a journey; that's exactly how I see it. I'm on this journey of knowing Jesus better. The final destination is heaven; until then, I'm just traveling along - going wherever God directs me. It may sound cliche, but that really is how I view it.

Right now I'm in Athens. I've been here for exactly 36 days, and I'm going to be here for another 19 months - at least that's how I have been looking at it. In my long journey of life and going wherever Jesus calls me, I'm making a 20 month stop in this beautiful college town of Athens, OH - because this is where He's brought me. (And I really am excited to be here!)

BUT:

Yesterday, God - being so much wiser and more understanding than me - challenged my way of thinking. Yes, I am on this journey of life. Yes, He has specifically brought me to Chi Alpha at Ohio University. What's different then? He showed me that He hasn't stamped my passport with a visa that expires 20 months after setting foot in Athens. In fact, He hasn't put any expiration date on that visa yet. He may never do so. If He does, it's up to Him to decide when.

WHY does this matter?

I'm not in Athens to be a tourist. I'm not here to see the sights, dip my feet in the water, and then move on to the next thrilling destination. I'm here to be planted. I'm a tree that's going to let its roots grow deep & its branches become entangled with those of other trees. I will live as if I am to be part of this forest forever. If Jesus wants to transplant me to another forest down the road, He can do it - even if moving me disrupts other trees.

So here I am in Athens, OH - studying at Ohio University, living in Bromley Hall, eating in campus dining halls, serving with Chi Alpha, walking almost everywhere I go, making new friends, praying for a campus of kingdom-builders - at home.