Painting Pictures of Egypt

Have you ever looked back to a moment in time and wished that you could relive it? I know I have. I can think about several moments in my life that I wish I could go back to - that I wish I could visit again.

I sometimes wish that I could go back to my first year in China. I learned so much during that time. I learned to “let go”. Up till that point in my life I was very focused on whatever was set in front of me. It was during that year that I learned not to take myself so seriously.

It was also during that year that I fell deep in love with China. I knew that He was leading me to return there. My heart was burdened for those around me. That year left an unforgettable impression on my heart and there have been times that I wish I could revisit it.

It is easy for me to remember the good things about that year and forget some of the difficult moments. (And there were some difficult moments!)

Sometimes when life is difficult or it is about to change, I desire to return to memorable moments in my life. Well, right now I am at a place again where I have to make another big decision. I don’t really like making decisions. I don’t even really like change for that matter. I can relate to the song by Sara Groves called “Painting Pictures of Egypt”.

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacks
The future feels so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I’ve learned
Those roads were closed off to me
While my back was turned

Some things are about to change for me and I am tempted right now to want to go back to the way things were. It is comfortable for me. I know what to expect. The thing is, He does not always want us to stay in our comfort zone. He wants us to step out in faith and trust Him in the process. I am often like the Israelites who wanted to return to Egypt when they had been promised a wonderful land full of food and things they desired. The unknown can be a bit scary.

I am starting to realize that while the future is unknown and I am a bit apprehensive, He is known! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am so thankful for that!