Making One from None

So it's 2011. Big whoop. I am having to get used to writing a one on the end of "201". 2010 was so nice because it had a pattern to it. "20" then "10"; it was rather nice. Alas, it is gone. For now...

But it's not the only pattern broken recently. Like my 174 straight wins in solitaire on "Draw Three" and "Vegas Style" and 5 straight magic poops. Alright, alright, I made those up, but my life really has seen a shift. Shortly after feeling called and choosing to respond towards attending a Discipleship Training School with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), I was asked if I was interested in a spring internship with an Accounting firm in Houston, MS. I have some previous ties with Houston; I could use the money to support myself; and I could use the experience in working towards my CPA, so I decided to pursue the opportunity. Fast forward, and today was my first day! How exciting!

Yet there was still one big decision to make: move or commute. Houston is 45 minutes from Starkville, yet Houston is a very small town, and unfortunately, unexciting (in most perspectives). I am settled in Starkville, and moving is a hassle. My dad feeds me in Starkville (yes, he literally puts my food in my mouth for me. Wait, what?!), yet I would have to provide for myself. Rent is expensive (when you haven't been playing it), but so is gas. I tried to rationalize, but you know what? My plans are terrible. Absolutely terrible when compared to the Lord's. And you know what He told me to do: move to Houston. You know, when God tell you to do something, it is very exciting, but you know what is not exciting: fully comprehending what God is telling you and realizing it goes against what you want. Yep. That's not exciting, especially if you won't deny yourself, and that is just disobedient. So yeah.

While I wish I could say "Needless to say", but I know I am not always obedient. Yet I am here. And so far, I love it (which doesn't mean too much when all you have is two nights and one day under your belt). Being here has helped me see a little bit of how good I had it in Starkville. My living space was clean, I had food, I had power, I had internet, I had cable, I had central heat and air, I had 3G, I had so many things! Yet now... This morning Colby let me use his dishes and shower so I could go to work. Tonight he took me to the grocery store. Who knows what I will need from him tomorrow.

It has been really interesting so far. I will probably go to Starkville several weekends during my tenure, but honestly, I don't care to that much. I think walking to work is going to start spoiling me pretty soon, making 45 minutes way too long. The 10 minutes to Wal-Mart in Starkville was hard enough, but I kind of miss the 24-hour Supercenter... But I am excited. I think God has some good things in store for me. He has already revealed some of them. I can't wait to see the rest. I hope I will only have the mindset of Paul in Philippians 4:11-13:

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Sorry, athletes, but this isn't about hitting a bunch of home runs, scoring a lot of touchdowns, or making goals; in fact, it should be preparing you for when you DON'T just as much as when you do. Who knows, maybe that's why you write that on your sports paraphernalia. I'll let you alone. For now.