All who wander are not lost

"Not all those that wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien

This quote has taken on new meaning for me this past month or so, and it is so true.
I feel like a NOMAD- moving every week- sometimes less than that, and not having a "place" to call home, but I AM NOT LOST!!! We are EXACTLY where we are supposed to be. It is funny how I can feel at home here in this city, and Todd does too. How we started out on the fringes of it (even when God said to come to New Orleans), trying to stay away from the biggest part of it, and yet.... we kept feeling pulled here. So, now we are here, and we both have a peace about it. I LOVE my job, and am excited about what God is going to do.
We have definitely "wandered" around this month, but here again.... not lost. Every single step of the way, God has been there and has paved the way somehow. I have not wanted to be dependent on anyone, but we have had to have some help from family and we are grateful.
We are getting closer everyday to "settling" somewhere. It is funny how OUR plans have changed. (that is another blog) I know it will happen. I know He has a plan thru all of this. We were just talking about how excited we both are to be here, and know we are supposed to be here. WE ARE NOT LOST.
However, so many ARE lost, even those that think they have it all figured out.... have the plan....etc..
As I was driving home from work today, I passed so many people- walking or waiting for the bus. People..... so many people... everywhere. Hailey is in China... people... lots of people.... even there in Kingsport/Johnson City... I could go to the store and never see the same people. It is amazing to me that our God sees and KNOWS each one intimately. He cares about THEIR problems, their needs. I want to be the person that is Jesus to them. This city is SO diverse- so many cultures- so many races- I do love that!
WHAT can I do? I just start by one minute, one person.... every person I come into contact with, I want it to be positive. To speak, to smile, to love... I AM NOT LOST.... He reminds me often, even when I get down or frustrated because we are in this situation. He WILL use it all for His glory.
You may not be a nomad, wandering around, living in hotels, :)..
but you too are NOT LOST. He has you where you are... for a reason. Listen closely.... don't let the everyday drown it out. ( we are all guilty of that) That just reminded me of the scene in "Dead Poet's society" when Mr Keating has the class in the hall where all the pictures of the past are on the wall. He tells them to lean in and listen to the legacy that the boys in the pictures are whispering to them..... "CARPE DIEM".... SEIZE THE DAY.... make your lives extra ordinary...
That is not a Christian movie, but the quote still rings true.....
and a life that is "extra ordinary" is not one that "makes it" in the financial world (nothing wrong with money)- or seems to have it all together--- it is the life that is surrendered to the only one that can make it extra ordinary~