Unknowns and Jesus-Manna

Our house is so chaotic right now. Thankfully it’s an exciting kind of chaos so it’s the good kind. But seriously, things are torn out from everywhere, strewn across the room, waiting patiently to be put into just the right box. . .  

Yesterday we visited my birth mom’s and step dad’s new place in Willoughby and got to see my 3 year old nephew and 2 year old niece. What a circus! Is this what I’m in for? Haha are toddlers always such wild animals?

{Family picture @ my Ma’s.}

At one point my mom told me that I’ll probably be homesick for a couple of months once we first get to Austin. My stepdad said that happened to him: just moving from St. Louis to Indiana after a few months he was more than ready to go back. But once he went back he saw that it was nothing like it used to be – and he could take it or leave it.

I can totally relate to that. I remember, as a teen thinking “How can life ever be as good as it is now? I don’t want youth group and bible quizzing to stop – Life won’t be as good if I can’t be with my friends 6 days a week – I don’t want to get older!” and then again with moving to Stow, away from my best friend and family – but both times it all worked out and I’m so glad I made the decisions I did. I’m so glad life kept happening and that I kept making new choices right along with it.

Life’s too good to let it go stale.
Gotta keep enjoying bite after bite as they come along.

Kinda like choosing not to hoard the Manna God gives. He’s given you some awesome gifts and you’re content with them. You want to keep them as long as possible; preferring to take a pass on whatever else God has in store because you might not like it as much. Why take the chance? Life is good here. Or maybe you’re scared of this new Manna: it’s new and different. You look at it and say “What is this?” (which is actually what Manna means) and are afraid to take it – grumbling or even resisting what a loving Father offers just for you.

You’d think after 24 years I’d have a rock-solid habit of looking back on all He’s done for me and be at rest because I can see that it’s always been better than before. He orders our steps. He’s had things planned for us from the beginning. He placed that Manna exactly where you’d see it, pick it up, and enjoy it. He delights in nourishing you.

Sometimes that nourishment is monotonous. Sometimes it is heartbreaking. Other times it is terrifying, life-changing, or more than you could have hoped for.

But it’s all nourishment from Him who delights to see you “take and eat,” giving thanks through all we have in Jesus Christ, our true Nourishment – offered and broken for His beloved. (Man, that gives me chills – a King that would die for His subjects.*)

So anyways – all that to get in words what I’m pondering on my heart lately. I’m a firm believer that God wants us to trust, act, and trust (notice trust is there twice). It’s safe to take that step because we know the Shepherd, and we trust that He’ll use His rod to correct us if we start veering off His path.

I’m so excited about Austin. 43 days now. So many unknowns. So many boxes. So much joy.

& Can’t wait to see what He has in store!

May I always seek to eat this Jesus-Manna offered and broken for me with joy and thanksgiving,

Morgan (loves to) Reid

*Have you heard “That’s My King” by Dr. S.M. Lockridge?

You should check it out : )

[Originally written March, 17th 2014.]