His plan is never our own

Isn't it interesting how God tends to remind us who is really in control of our lives just when we think we have things figured out?

Within just a few short weeks the direction of our families future has taken an unplanned twist. A few weeks ago Jimmy applied for a new job, still with John Deere, in Des Moines. He wasn't too confident applying because rumor was they already had someone in mind for the job however, he applied anyways. Within a few short days he was called by the hiring manager and asked to come the next day for an interview. Two days after the interview he received a call from that manager offering him the position. After prayer, lots of conversation, and a little housing market research we decided that it was the right choice for our family.

The new job for Jimmy offers limited, to no travel, which is HUGE for our young family coming off a summer of him traveling nearly 80% of the time. This job offers him opportunities to learn the in's and out's of whole new product line, brings significant networking opportunities with folks he has not worked with in the past, and lots of visibility to key management in our company, not to mention that he would love the job. 

The downside - we LOVE our home here, we have both families close by that we see often and really enjoy spending time with, and that we were just beginning to feel established and grounded in the community and with a network of new friendships. However, we know this is not a final thing. We know this is one stop for us along the way and that in a few years we would like to be back in this area again.

The positives - my sister Jacinda and best friend Katie live in Ankeny. We love Des Moines. We've always said that that would be our first choice of places to live if we had to move again. 

So our family will embark on yet another moving adventure. We moved here from Springfield when Lily was just 2 weeks old and it's funny how God's timing is working that way once again. Our planned move date won't be until mid October, beginning of November, so we will have a little more time here with little man before hitting the road, but not much.

As I think about all the changes that are on the horizon for our family I start to get stressed - overwhelmed with choices and decisions that need to be made about selling our home here, buying a new home in Ankeny, welcoming a new precious life into this world and into our family, ensuring that Lily does well in all these transitions, and supporting my husband as he faces new challenges and demands as he learns a new job in a new place. But once again I am reminded of God's unfailing love and faithfulness to always always be with us, His promise to never ever give us anything we can't handle, and His promise that His plan is always right and sufficient.

While buying a house and deciding where our family will learn and grow for the next few years what really matters is that we are together and safe. So please pray for our family as we start yet another journey and experience some big changes in the coming weeks.