Let go and let G*d...

The post below is from friends and fellow co-laborors for Chri$t, Bryan and Tara Riley. Along with their children Tanner, Keaton and Regan, the Riley's have spent the last 2 1/2 years serving Chri$t with Youth With A M (YWAM), a well known M agency dedicated to Kingdom work. We have watched from a distance as this family continues to make personal sacrifices to answer the calling that G*d has placed on their lives - successful careers (Bryan, a corporate attorney and Tara, an occupational therapist), time with extended family, and a comfortable home filled with material possessions. We have watched the Riley's faithfully serve in the Philippines, South Africa, and England and look forward to seeing how G*d continues to use them as He begins a new chapter in their lives.

They have recently answered His call to serve at the largest YWAM base in the world, the University of the Nations located in Kona, Hawaii. Next week, they will begin transitioning into their new lives and no doubt will continue to live and breathe the Great Co-M. If you get a chance, read their words below and pray for Bryan, Tara, Tanner, Keaton and little Regan as G*d continues to make a difference through this family.

Letting Go and Letting G*d (April 22, 2009)
I
. But think I feel like writing more now that it is crunch time. I can’t stand to keep packing and cleaning nonstop so I find my rest by jotting down things G*d is showing me through this process.

Many people ask whether it is hard to let go of our stuff. It is a process because at first it seems hard. Before you actually begin the letting go. And, back when I was in college and thinking of M as a young man I remember thinking that it would be really hard to give up so many things what is most interesting is that I haven’t had any trouble with this process at all. In fact, I have rejoiced to see stuff go. And, I haven’t really felt sad at all…. until today.

And that’s when G*d reaffirmed something I knew, but that we all too often forget. I grew sad today because I will be eating lunch with my parents and it may be the last time I see them for a while. It is the goodbyes to real live people that are hard. To watch a couch go - big deal. Even to miss American Idol last night and Lost tonight because we’ve already sold our TVs - it’s just not a big deal. Let’s get some real perspective. But to say good bye to someone you love, to someone who encourages you, to someone who helps you, to someone you love to help - well, that is difficult. And I’m being very understated.

For everyone who thinks it is inspiring to sell everything and go after G*d’s direction, know that it really isn’t that hard to give up your toys. Try it and see. Be inspired. You’ll be amazed at how freeing it is to let G*d be G*d of your stuff and not have your Stuff be your god. You’ll love it.

But prepare your heart for the goodbyes to family and friends. Prepare your heart by knowing the Truth about eternity. These lives are momentary, brief, and just a quickly passing wind. But we will have all of eternity to live together with our loved ones and with G*d. So, even if today’s lunch were the last time I saw my parents (G*d forbid), it is okay because I will have forever to be with them in G*d’s hands. And that forever will be safe, filled with joy, and in His unimpeded presence. Hallelujah!