Into the Ocean of Unknown

I've just learned some exciting news from friends. Patrick, a musician, has long had a dream of being a part of a performing group. This week, he was sworn in to the U.S. Army to be a part of the Army Band as a saxophonist. He'll ship out in June, knowing full well that life will soon be drastically different than what he's known as a school band director over the last 10+ years. The excitement that he and his wife Misty feel about the opportunities and unknown changes for the future is contagious; I'm excited for them!

This change won't come easily, as they certainly know, but the risk toward fulfilling a drea is certainly worth taking. Andre Gride, a French writer, said it this way, "One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." Columbus' first voyage was 71 days of uncertainty and sameness, until that thrilling moment on October 12 when Rodrigo de Triana, a sailor on the Pinta, spotted the lands of the Bahamas.

So many of us choose to sit on the shores of life, wondering what the world looks like on the other side of the oceans of our unknowns. Patrick has worked hard, physically and musically to be prepared for this new challenge, and I think his efforts and courage are biblically sound. In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul tells his friend to fan into flame his God-given gift, and to exercise that calling with a spirit of power, love and self-discipline, not fear. Whatever our gifts/talents/skills/interests may be, taking steps toward using them, though frightening at times, will only bring about a greater strength of character in us and greater faith in the character and nature of God Himself.

Blessings, Patrick and Misty. Through your step of courage and faith, I pray God will reveal more of Himself through the twists and turns of this adventure into the ocean of this exciting new unknown.