Jim Leinbaugh

My wife and I were strongly convinced we needed to move from the midwest to Texas so we could be closer to our grandchildren. But it never seemed to work out. Now we know why. Don't tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor!

My full-time role at the church had run it's course. It seemed like the perfect time for a fresh start. My son and daughter-in-law had already given us a little baby girl. And our first grandson was on the way. Being a part of our grandkids lives is very important to us. And after years in the midwest, Texas sounded like a great (warm) adventure.

But it never worked out. Every job opportunity fizzled out. I ended up with a great production gig here at home that would have made it very difficult to walk away from. Plus my still-at-home daughter loves her friends and nearby family.

"But God, we had a dream. A BIG dream! We would have even let you follow along. God, it even involves being spiritual mentors to our grand-babies. That's practically HOLY!"

But alas, no. Here we stay. Resigned to live our perfectly mediocre life. Resigned to the occasional Skype call and Facebook photos. "Okay, God, if you just want ordinary..." 

That's when the phone call happened. Saben, our oldest and on active duty in the United States Air Force, called to let us know that he was being stationed in Korea for a year. The family would stay behind. We talked, commiserated, feared for their marriage, his life, the kiddos. And eventually hung up.

I'm not sure how long it was. Maybe minutes, maybe hours. I'm not even sure now who said it. I just remember my wife and I looking at each other and saying, "I wonder if he was waiting for us to offer our home to his family for the year... to have them come live with us?" We called right back, and I bet you can fill in the rest of the conversation.

So when you look at your five bedroom house, now mostly empty and think to yourself that it might be time to downsize... When you look at your ho-hum life and think that maybe God will do something big for you if you changed your zip code... When you begin to entertain the idea that God isn't really interested in granting you the deepest desires of your heart...

Be patient. Be faithful. And get ready... There's something amazing right around the corner!