10-31-2020 Tennessee Tears

 

 Tennessee Tears

 

Jesus wept. ― John 11:35

 

 

Lord, I confess that I’ve not been up to writing about the events of the last four months. I’ll use the excuse that the whirlwind circumstances of this season in our lives have required me to be laser-focused on a thousand tasks necessary to see it through. We have kept these events low key, only sharing with a few family and friends because frankly, it would have been overwhelming to try to explain while also trying to make sense of it all personally. Now the deed is almost done, and I’m at a point where the surreal is starting to congeal into a manageable reality.

 

For those scratching their heads right now, I’ll come clean. In July, my beautiful bride and I concluded that family matters more to us more than anything other than our relationship with You, our God. As a matter of fact, we both believe it was at Your spiritual urging that prompted us to pack up our belongings, sell our house of 23 years and move to South Dakota where much of our family resides.

 

(Jaw Drop Moment)

 

This was not and is still not the easiest of decisions, but the rapid-fire pace of our adventure’s unfolding has convinced me that this is a “God Thing,” much like the “God Thing” that brought us to Tennessee, 31 years ago. As I try to wrap my head and heart around the blessings and adjustments necessary to be obedient to Your calling, several perspective thoughts have come to the front of my mind. I share them because any of you who have ever been (or will be) placed into an uncomfortable position of decision may find my ruminations helpful…or not…I just feel led to share and hope our experiences bless you.

 

Beginning in 1831 the Cherokee nation and other tribal groups dwelling throughout Tennessee and the Southeast United States were forcibly relocated by the US government to regions west of the Mississippi. Lord before anyone reacts negatively to the comparison, please provide them peaceful pause to hear me out. I by no means want to over-reach by inferring we are victims of the same plight. First, we are not being forced, but are eagerly choosing to make this trek. As well, we do not anticipate (please Lord we pray) enduring the intense suffering that occurred throughout the episode now known as the Trail of Tears. We have been blessed in so many ways toward the preparation and making or this journey.

 

Yet I recall reading first-hand accounts of those brave pioneers, their fortitude, hope, and faith for the future that awaited them, and I take comfort from it. We will be leaving behind incredible friendships old and new, as well as bringing with us in our hearts the memories of those many bonded years in the beautiful hills of Tennessee.

 

Those experiences will not be easy to let go of, nor should they be. You prepared us over that time, for the amazing course to come, just as you, Jesus, also prepared, including your tears, for your transition on your own ultimate journey from the physical world to the greater realm.

 

Not only will we be intimately reunited with our South Dakota clan, we will also bond with new friends and acquaintances, being offered new opportunities to fellowship, witness, and serve as You have always encouraged us to do. I am still praying Lord about the ministry You are calling me to personally and I ask all those reading this to pray for and with me. But I am certain beyond doubt that this is a greater moment You are walking-out with us than any that has come before. That realization in itself fills me with awe when I consider the miracles and powerful moments You have already guided us through.

 

So, we go, confident, and yes, sad for our parting, but celebrating our going, shedding our own Trail of Tears; tears of sad passings and tears of future joy. Technology will help us to keep in touch with all those who have loved us in Tennessee, and it will also enable us to connect them with our new dwelling and companions. Through all of it and into our eternal adventure, I know even greater things are yet to come and I ask only one thing;

 

Dwell with us, Lord; let Your Will and Purpose be our desire and action through it all.

 

Let it be so.

 

Mark C.