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Jan 21, 2022

 

Time is sure moving quickly, and it’s amazing how on one hand life can seem to us like we are in a holding pattern when a million things are transpiring. We have now been on the Drove for ten whole months! We have had the blessing of seeing the beauty of each of the four seasons unfolding around us, and I have to say, there is nothing like seeing them in all their splendor when living in the middle of God’s glorious creation. Each season is unique in beauty and all equal in splendor. Which is a wonderful reminder of the fact that the seasons of our life are indeed a parallel. One of the many things that God has revealed to me throughout this journey is that each season holds both a beauty and a purpose all its own. 

 

I have to be reminded to remain reflective in order to see the many ways that He is at work, or I find myself slipping into a head space that leaves me feeling like things aren’t progressing. I suppose that’s a bit of human nature, but that’s not the nature I want to live by. I have been reminded recently of the wisdom in Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps.” Sometimes, when God calls you and gives you a vision with directions that come a trickle, or step, at a time it can be difficult to exercise patience. My daily prayer is that I do not fall a step behind or rush a step ahead, and I have come to the realization that He is daily answering that prayer by not allowing me to see with clarity what the next step is until He is good and ready for us to take it. What a double-edged sword, because He knows me better than I know myself and so He keeps me in step by not allowing me too much information so that I don’t go trying to make something happen in my own strength. I appreciate it, I truly do, because I know my tendencies and yet for a doer that can be so unnerving. Thankfully He is patient with me, and when I grumble that I feel like I am not serving purpose, He graciously reminds me that I am by revealing to me the fact that I am overlooking the life-on-life work that is always taking place.

 

For example, the conversations with former students who are struggling with their value, or who are walking through extremely trying circumstances and struggling with their faith. The “little things” we are blessed to do for those in needs are another such reminder. The daily interactions with colleagues or young people or the very people who live within our walls. Things like being an ear or a shoulder for those facing difficult medical diagnosis or the loss of someone they love. The list could truly go on and on, but the point is not in the what but rather the work. It is so easy for us to look for the big picture, the big work, the big miracles, when in fact the real work is the daily living and walking with those in need. I know that God is at work in bringing together all the pieces for the work to which He has called us, because He is faithful, and He will do what He said He would do. I also have confidence because, like Lee and I discussed the other night, He continually shows us a multitude of strands even if we don’t yet know exactly what the quilt will look like or how the pieces fit in, we know He is weaving it together in His time for His greatest glory, and that is enough. 

 

We have met folks, ministered to and with folks, made connections with people across the country, added many furry friends, and learned more about life on a farm than we ever would have imagined. In fact, we never did imagine. God called and like Isaiah we said, “Here am I send me” (Isaiah 6:8), and He said buckle up and get your spurs ready! Ok, well maybe he didn’t say exactly that, but you get the picture. He did however send us here to His anointed ground, and he did send us all the provisions necessary to begin preparing a place of peace and refuge, and He is bit by bit revealing the strands. We have now added 1 donkey, 2 calves, 1 zebu, 8 goats, 5 dogs (2 were pre-drove),1 cat (also pre-drove), and 2 ponies. He has also sent us neighbors who help in need and who at times need help, a free horse trailer, a great buy on a tractor, and on and on and on. I would say He is at work establishing the Drove. While we await the day when young people will seek His face and worship Him here among His creation, we will remain faithful to the tasks at hand and continue to pray for those who will partner with us, minister to us, and be ministered to, and we thank God daily for each of you and for your continued prayers and for following along and contributing to our journey in whatever ways the Holy Spirit nudges you to.

We would love to hear from you and you too are always welcome to come seek refuge with a day on the Drove!

 

Until next time remember, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20), so look to nature for a reminder of the glory of God and keep your lamps filled with oil as you go about His work, for the day is drawing neigh!

 

~ Jen