Decision-making doesn’t come easily to me. My closest friends and family know how grueling it can be.
Call it being careful, analytical, methodical...whatever. I’ve missed plenty of good opportunities and have probably been spared from a number of bad ones as well.
For example, while writing this, I missed a great deal on a sweet, one-owner, 1991 Suburban with 54,000 original miles. After a long discussion with the current owner, I told him I’d think about it. That hesitation allowed another couple to swoop in and drive it home.
But every once in a while, I get it right on the big things...
Earlier this summer, I flew from Nashville to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to lead worship at a church I’ve visited many times. The senior pastor--a trusted, longtime friend--had regularly broached the potential of working together over the years.
To me, the biggest obstacle was that we had purposefully staked our claim in Music City so that I could pursue my calling as musician, songwriter, and worship leader. Over the past decade and a half, I had built DiscoverWorship.com and had networked with hundreds of industry contacts.
OPENNESS
But rather than thinking in terms of “either/or,” this time, I gave myself permission to think “both/and.” On my way back to Tennessee, I asked my pastor friend if we could consider a “once a month” arrangement in Wyoming to see what might develop. With life as with cars, it’s easier to steer a moving vehicle. By putting myself in motion, I could better follow the Lord’s leading.
A few weeks went by. The senior pastor called one Friday afternoon to let me know that things were changing at the church and they might need me more than once a month. Would I consider this? There was no pressure, but a door was opening to a deeper commitment. I was being offered the opportunity to move our family to Wyoming.
Yes, I’d be ministering alongside a trusted colleague in one of the most beautiful locales on earth. But it would also mean relocating my teenagers to new schools and changing almost everything about the lives and business we had built in Tennessee. What would my wife think? Our teenagers?
PRAYERFULNESS
I held it together and didn’t panic. I knew how dramatic this would be, so I wanted to have some clarity about this before discussing it with my wife. I simply prayed and asked God to make it obvious if he had placed this in our path for a reason.
Two days later, Kimberlee and I were in the kitchen when she said, “I can see it in your eyes.” I asked her what she was talking about, and she said, “You know, Jackson Hole.” I took a breath, then told her what I thought it would be like living there. She began, “Well, I’ll tell you....” I held my breath again, wondering if she would say that she wasn’t moving anywhere. To my astonishment, Kim she said she’d be open to the opportunity.
I almost fell on the floor.
CONFIRMATION
The coming days were filled with conversations and prayers and even more questions. It didn’t take long for us to see this was a “God moment” unwrapping before our eyes. We met with a realtor on August 31st who suggested we have an open house on Sunday, September 18th. Two weeks?! What in the world were we thinking? On September 17th, we announced an open house for the following day.
What added to the drama was a weekend gasoline shortage (caused by a broken pipeline in Georgia) which left many drivers stranded and others searching for a gas pump that wasn’t dry. We drove to seven stations Saturday morning but had no luck. My wife suggested at least four different times throughout the day that we should cancel our open house. We wouldn’t have lots of folks coming on a weekend where gas was so scarce! I responded that we only needed one.
So the following day, our realtor came over to prepare for the open house. Before leaving I went back inside and prayed a simple prayer: “God, if it’s your will, then send the right buyer.”
And with that, we piled the family and dogs into the car and drove away, wondering if anyone would be willing to burn enough gas to get to our neighborhood. We decided to get ice cream: one scoop for each kid and one for the three dogs to share. Thirty minutes later my phone rang, and it was our realtor. She asked if I were sitting down and proceeded to tell me that the very first person to walk in had just made a full price offer! They were in town for the weekend from Ohio and just happened to get off at our exit and just happened to see the open house sign. In just 30 minutes, they had made their decision. It was that simple. God still answers prayers. It only took one.
INVITATION
Relocating from Nashville to Wyoming is a huge move. It’s one that leaves some of our family questioning why. Some mention how cold it can get or how far away it is. Trust me, we know it’s a huge move; but we can’t help feeling this deep sense that God is up to something.
We aren’t even sure what that something is. We just know that--with every step--we’ve been given enough faith to keep walking forward. I can’t quite articulate it, but it’s like we’re being drawn by God’s invitation.
Sometimes, we live where we think we should be, and life seems really good. I’ve lived in those places. Today, I’m living in a place where I believe He wants me. You don’t end up in Jackson Hole by accident. You’re here because the mountains call you or because the Maker of the mountains does. Or maybe a little of both.
ATTENTIVENESS
Hearing God’s voice isn’t always easy, especially when we’re constantly on the go, and our calendars are always full.
We’ve been led to believe that being successful means accomplishing a staggering number of things that--in most cases--sap our creativity and energy. Years later, we’re left wondering if where it’s taken us has been worth the trip. So, it’s good to stop every once and again to ask if where we are is where God has called us to be.
How do we hear the voice of God? How do we not miss the opportunity of a lifetime?
I believe it starts with getting quiet enough to hear him. I believe I’m finding that place. As the years of noise slowly melt away, I’m confident I’ll begin to hear His voice more often. It’s a voice that’s been singing over me since the beginning.
I long to hear it more often.
More clearly.
I can hardly wait.
In the meantime, I want you to know that I’m still actively involved with Discover Worship. I’m so honored that you have joined us in this journey and look forward to seeing what the Lord will be doing in your lives—and ministry—this coming year!!
-- For more blogs and music by Regi Stone, go to www.discoverworship.com
