for 29 years

Today is my birthday and I turn 29 years old. I’m still young. I look young and feel young (unless I’m forced to work out or do hard labor). There will be no big celebration anywhere, since Lindsey, my wife, and I have recently moved to Ukraine as missionaries. No birthday cake and no cell phone blowin’ up all day from moms and dads, brothers, sisters, and friends wishing me well. Our cell phone is local only and it would be really expensive if they called it. I did receive some birthday mail and talked to some family via Skype which was nice.

We are starting our fourth week here and still are learning the language. Our friends are few and fare between, mainly because most of them speak English. That’s not very common around these parts. I think we are going to visit a new church this afternoon at 3pm and return to the Gypsie church we visited last week this evening at 7.

As I ponder the last few years, I can say that it has been good for the most part. Despite a few set backs in learning what exactly I should do with my life, I was able to develop some good relationships with my friends and family. This is important since now we no longer living down the street. I know that these relationships will be a lot of the fuel that keeps me going.

I know that all I have gone through until now has been preparation for what God wants to do with my life.He has a funny way sometimes, how he builds our character through our choices and circumstances. He knows what the outcome will be and still holds onto the reigns. It’s comforting to know that I’m not in control even when I think I am.

Psalm 23:1-3

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.