But how did you know?

Truth is, we didn’t.

Deeper truth is, we may never know.

The beauty is, that’s okay.

From the support of our family, to the smoothness of the details of our move, to the rehoming of our beloved pets, on through the swift (36 hours) sale of our family home, all signs seemed to point to American Samoa.

And then there were the influential words of Bill ….he deserves a line of mention all his own! (See first blog post!)

But in all honesty, even when details go smoothly, the knowing can still be elusive.

Face it, most of us like a good, solid tangible “knowing” when we change life course or face a tough choice.

Please, please, please can I have mine in BIG, BOLD LETTERING possibly accented in neon lights with some serious sound effects?

Ugh, I struggle with wanting certainty.

But lately it is the unseen, intangible that seems to offer more assurances than anything else in my life.

Somehow I am finding it easier to trust the faith I have that we are here for a purpose even more deeply than the strong, solid sidewalk beneath my feet.

The purpose?

I am unable to see it, I cannot touch it, but it is most assuredly there and it is everlasting.

Material things?

Well, they break, wear out and eventually decompose. These are temporary and fleeting.

In contrast….the kindness behind a smile, the love you feel when help is offered, the hope that penetrates your spirit when a new friend joins you in laughter.

There’s the good stuff.

That’s when my faith grows.

It is that moment that my soul rejoices in the Lord’s (often unseen) purpose.

If you’re waiting for a knowing that you can see and touch, let me just say you’re NOT alone in wanting this!

But also allow me encourage to you in looking beyond the temporal things of daily living and feel the pulse of unseen blessings that might be rushing passed you unnoticed.

If we make a habit of waiting for the certainty of the knowing for sure, we may be missing so much.

So if indeed you are staring headfirst into the face of a new opportunity, or life has brought a tough choice to your doorstep, rest assured that the answer may not be bold or touchable.

It could be in the gentle words of a stranger, or the voice of a friend calling at the perfect time to encourage you or in a forgotten verse of scripture that resonates anew on a typical Tuesday. 😉

How did we know?

Truth is, we didn’t.

We simply followed where He led, and for us that was 14° south of the Equator.

And guess what…..

That 14° line? It cannot be seen….