the next step

Every year it seems like the holidays come quicker and are over sooner.  Maybe it was the cross country travels, or the amount of catch up sessions squeezed into such a short amount of time, whatever it was, I felt like Christmas came and went too quickly this year.  Although it seemed to fly by, Christmas was a joyous occasion in the Apple household this year.  All nine of us were together for a brief, but special time.  Mornings started early and toys were scattered around the house, presents were opened and new toys were used with eager excitement, the sounds of children laughing filled our ears, and dinner table talks consisted of thanksgiving for the Lord's provisions over the past year.  Each year I become more and more thankful for the family God placed me in, for the places He has scattered us to, for the place we come home to, and for parents who have been by our side every step of the way.  

The Apple Clan-Russell, Dan, Keziah, Alex, Mike, Dad, Mom, and Emett

Family time has been interwoven with catch up sessions with missed friends, celebrations of engagements of dear friends, and jumping back into the business of work at UAB.  I've been reminded of how wonderful my life in Birmingham is, of how much the Lord has provided for me here, and the ways He has allowed me to pour into lives around this city.  With all this being said, jumping back into life in Birmingham has given me insight and reflection over where I've been and where the Lord is taking me.  Yes, I am surrounded here with a job I absolutely love-high risk patients, residents, busy nights, a low income patient population, etc.  Yes, I am surround with the greatest friends anyone could ask for-roommates, spontaneous sunset dinner dates, coffee chats, popsicles, walks through the neighborhood, hang outs at local establishments, lazy nights on the couch, babysitting kiddos, etc.  Yes, I am involved in some of the most sincere and genuine ministry in the city-coaching inner city kids, breaking down the walls of racial discrimination that still exist, taking middle school girls to ice cream, performing ultrasounds, encouraging and supporting life, etc.  Yes, I do call a city home that has been transforming over the years, that is beginning to thrive, revitalize, and become a "happening city."  Yes, I am thankful for this place, these people, the life change I get to be a part of, this city.  And yes, I do miss this place when I'm gone.  

After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to continue travel nursing, maybe not for a long time, but at least for the next few months.  I will start working in Austin, Texas on February 10th, working at a bigger medical facility downtown.  I came back from Spokane almost 75% sure I wasn't going to travel again; I missed community and ministry too much, my friends were getting engaged, and family was moving back to the South.  But, after jumping back into life here, I'm realizing life still goes on while I'm gone.  Hang with me here while I explain...    

It's such a selfish thought to want life to stop while I'm gone, hoping no one makes new friends, ministry takes a stand still, and people stop having babies.  I know it's wrong, but stop and think, have you ever had fear of missing out, wanting to be in two places at once, hoping that people's lives can't go on without you?  The good thing about all of this is our God is a forgiving God, One who accepts these crazy thoughts that run through my mind, reveals the selfishness in them, and humbles our hearts to repentance.  When I grasp the fact that even though my life is unknown, that doesn't mean other people can't have their life all together.  And in reality, do any of us ever really have our lives all together?  We are all wanderers in this world, but thankfully we have a God who is willing to lead us and not let us wander astray.  Now back to the traveling... After realizing new friends were made and incredible steps forward were taken in the ministries I participated in, I began to pray about the next steps.  Did the Lord want to jump right back in here, plugging into ministry, getting involved in a local church, investing in the friends around me?  Or, did God want me to travel again, explore unknown territory, meet new people, work in a new environment?  Both of these situations would take me out of my comfort zone, challenge me, and have lasting impact.  But, the more I looked at the life and people around me, I felt comforted and full of peace.  When I leave, I leave Birmingham in some really good hands.  I know first hand how Val and Sara go above and beyond to invest in the lives of inner city kids, to teach them the skills of soccer, to unconditionally love them, and pour into them the Word of God.  I know first hand how Meredith, Connie, Lisa, Heather, Alison, and the countless numbers of volunteers pour themselves into every conversation they have about life, how they share the Gospel with every person that walks through their doors, and how women leave Sav-a-Life feeling empowered and full of hope.  I know first hand women in Birmingham are delivering babies in a state of the art facility, with physicians, residents, and nurses who provide compassionate care.  I know first hand my friends are investing in lives around them, praying for the lost, including outcasts, going to the nations, and seeking God's will for their lives.  I know that if I stayed in Birmingham, I could be a part of all these experiences.  But, I have hope that the people of Birmingham are being loved daily, the Gospel is being spread, and lives are being changed.  And with this hope I'm encouraged and challenged to go forth and make disciples of all nations, to find a place that may not be so invested in, to meet people that may not have as much access to the Gospel.  In a few months, God may very well tell me He isn't finished with me in Birmingham, but until that day comes, I'll embrace the journey ahead and live one day at a time.  

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

Sunset from an evening at Pursell Farms.