Finding Contentment in the Transitions

We have been quoted as having said, “Missionary life is one big transition interrupted by periods of routine.”  The Hough family doesn’t handle transitions very well.   In light of this reality we find it a little ironic, even hilarious that God puts us in the very situations that seem to try us the most! 

 

Transitions of all kinds characterize our lives right now, frequent trips up to the city require us to pack our bags and close up the house for a week at a time, the small surprises of Dan’s unpredictable ministry schedule, the ongoing ‘unknowns’ like ‘where will we be living next term?’, ‘how much do we put our roots down where we are?’, and of course Sarah is expected to maintain a regular homeschool schedule through all of this.  Though we know in our hearts we are exactly where God wants us we still catch ourselves sometimes complaining – not unlike the Israelites wandering in the desert (we can relate because we have a sandy yard **grumble**). 

Paul said that he had learned the secret of being content in whatever situation– a secret that continues to elude us!  He also says there is great gain in godliness with contentment.  We feel God has been fostering both godliness and contentment in us through our circumstances this past year.  Pray that we will be willing recipients!