Riches, Family, and Comfort: Broken down in Junction City, KS

Jesus teaches at the end of Luke 9 that riches, family, and comfort will hinder us from the kingdom of God. This morning as I was thinking about our mission, and what it really looks like to camp in a van with two dogs and two and a half people, I was awakened by the reality that this isn't going to be easy or comfortable. Which led me to meditate on these verses and really question whether I am really willing to give up my comfort to see the kingdom of God. For me the family and riches were things that were easy for me to leave behind and things I found in Jesus, with a new church family and eternal inheritance, but this morning comfort became a reality and I found myself realizing that my true comfort wasn't being found in my Savior. I was creating a functional savior in this world that somehow gave me what Jesus was intended to fulfill in me, I am a new creation, my identity was solely to be in Him. My mind was taking me to the point of should I put this behind me and give it all up because of its potential enduring difficulty or should I in faith and grace press on, persevere, witness and partake in the Kingdom of God. Comfort all of a sudden was hindering me from running the race set before me. And all in God's providence he was preparing my heart and mind to encounter our first trial some four hours later.

When we pulled into Hayes Kansas last night to camp in the parking lot, there was an unusual noise coming from what seemed to be the transmission, thinking it was because of heat we parked and slept with no thought of it. We woke up at five to get an early start to find that the problem was still there but abbreviated, so we decided to hop on the highway and give it a try to see if the problem persisted or became worse. I don't know if it was the sound of the highway or what, but the problem seemed to fade away in the rythm of the highway. Two hours into the drive we ran into some construction and because we can only go 50mph, I was causing quite a back up and decided to be courteous and pull of to let everyone pass by. Pulling over caused both Mo and Tiff to wake up, and because my eyes were getting sleepy when Tiff offered to drive I let her take the wheel, which put me in the back (closer to the noise). Now that I was closer to the noise, I became more concerned that we should probably pull over and see if an mechanic could put it on a lift and give it a check. Enter Junction City, KS. After an initial look we were pointed to the local euro car mechanic which was drowning in projects, but gracious enough to take the time to fit us it into the day. Also enter the next godly test to my comfort issue and the reality check of that nice comfortable road trip to Branson, MS. After a quick chat and some time on the internet of figuring out what the next day or week may look like we unpacked the bikes to waste away the afternoon while we waited for the news. Searching for dog friendly hotels, maybe future mechanics in our destination place (if we could some how limp our van into branson), and some place to hike, walk, or just hang out, we further began to be awakened to the reality of living out of a van in an unknown town with unknow plans, and also some heat and humidity. God's grace began to also shine more in almost a gentle fatherly way to prepare us for our next few months, and growing us to become content with a lack of comfort and familiarity.

And about the van we found out the grinding was a transmission and a rear cv joint making harmonious music together. So, being that we have an older van, it might be hard to find parts which makes our new home Junction City, KS. Pray that we can rejoice in all things and make the most of our time in Kansas. Thank God also that there is a lake here because we have told Mo he is going to a lake and based on our new schedule we might not get to see the lake in Missouri.

We will keep you posted.