I can remember was I was young, I used to watch Mister Rogers every day. Growing up as an only child I had friends, but none like Fred Rogers… He was my bestie.
Mister Rogers had a way of explaining things that always made sense to me. He always had a smile on his face and approached every situation with a calm spirit. Every episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was so magical and entertaining. I learned about musical instruments, that men walked on the moon, how M&M’s were made, and… that I shouldn’t be afraid of the dark.
On that day, Mister Rogers turned off the lights in the studio and continued talking to the children at home. He told us that even though it was dark, everything was just the same as it was when the lights were on, when everything was seen. It’s 30 years later and this still makes so much sense to me.
Next week I will leave my current position at the bank and begin working full-time at NorthStar Church. I’ve gotten so excited about this and can hardly wait to make the transition. I’m leaving a life that was fueled by promotions, raises, and job performance - I’m headed into a life of simplicity, sacrifice and the unknown. It’s like venturing out in the dark. I don’t know if God has me at NorthStar for the rest of my life or just for a season but I’ve given him all control of my job, my family, and my future.
Through all of this, it’s great to have a loving family, and most of all a supportive wife. In July, Lana and I will have been married for 14 years, and through all of those years she has supported my every decision with faith that I am in God’s will while leading our family. I am so thankful to have her to lean on when times are tough; to give me her honest opinion, to keep me on track. Many hopes and dreams she had for our family are now changing as well. Please take a minute to hear from her in her own words:
While typing this, God reminded me of this scripture:
Isaiah 42:16 : I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Nothing has changed; even though I cannot see where God is taking me, HE is still in control… I will not be afraid of the dark.
Amen!