When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

As I leave Turkey, part of me feels like I'm losing something by leaving Turkey. My journey has taken me to some of the most beautiful sites of the ancient world and helped me connect with the biblical text more than I ever have before.

But just like with life, a journey can never be just one continuous chapter. The story might be continuous, but it is composed of smaller sub-stories that comprise the one main story.

So, as I leave for Greece, the story continues, but a new chapter begins. I am excited for what this new chapter holds and the adventures that await me. If they are a continuation of the amazing things the Lord has done for me in Turkey, then Greece is going to be one heck of an awesome ride.

I think one of the obstacles associated with change is the obligation to encounter the unknown...the unfamiliar. A new job, a new house, a new church, or a even a new car or new clothes can all be challenging to embrace. Sure, we all might be excited for the surprises of the unknown, but I believe most of us would not handle so well, surprise after surprise after surprise. Deep down, we all long for what is familiar, what we have known before. There is a strange appeal for the nostalgia of familiar things. Psychologically, familiarity gives us a sense of control on account of possessing a knowledge and understanding of what we are presented with. We feel we know what is going on and therefore are more accepting. And because we can readily accept familiar things, we gain a sense of having control over our environment.

For those people who can thrive in unknown environments, a new chapter means new opportunities to do what you have never done before...and that is exciting to them! I am not sure if I am completely THAT type of person, but I am certainly looking forward to the new chapter and the chances to experience life in a whole new dimension in Greece.

"Lord, whatever this chapter brings, help me to know you more and live in the moments of uncertainly knowing you are there with me through it all."

And so, off to Greece I go...   :D