My life is one long career counseling session.

I’ve lost count of the tests and books, the hours of discussion, the rabbit trails run to determine what I’m supposed to be when I grow up.

Another career consultation looms today. Part of the relocation package. Help for the uprooted spouse.

I wonder how many people go through this. Figuring out how best to care for your family while also using your abilities to contribute meaningfully and financially with work outside the home.

Meaningfully. Oh, how I’d like to be passionate about my work.

Financially. Oh, how I’d like to be compensated for it.

I’m not much for the process. Just get to the point. Tell me the answer without the ambiguities.

But life’s not like that, is it?

The Israelites stood on the banks of the Jordan River at flood stage, waiting to cross. It had been quite a journey and Moses was dead.

The officers circulated through the camp. They told the people to watch for the ark of the covenant, the symbolic box where God lived. It would lead the way.

“Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”

I’ve never been this way before either. Out here in Kansas with nothing but God and ground and sky.

“Keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

The pastor I heard teach this from Joshua 3 said the ark was far ahead of the people so all of them could see it. The distance symbolized the separation between God and the people’s sin.

Joshua then told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

And God did. That very day He parted the river waters for them to cross.

I don’t follow an ark. Christ’s death and resurrection closes the separation between Him and my sin. He comes near to me. Emmanuel, God with us.

Chin up, buttercup. Keep walking. Who knows what amazing things await?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness (or your Righteous One) will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8 NIV

Love at first listen. Revel in Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise by Carolina boys The Avett Brothers. Decide what to be and go be it…