Roots & Wings

My parents gave me deep roots. I have an incredible family and grew up living in the same house my whole life that is on my grandfather's farm and my parents still live in this house. I was surround by extended family in this small community where the people I went to first grade with were also the same people with whom I spent middle school and graduated high school.

Deep Roots. Deep Southern Roots.

For whatever reason the Lord put wings in my heart from the time I was a child. My mom said that when I was three I would come in the kitchen and ask where we were going that day. I've dreamed of far away places and people with accents my whole life.

Wings. Big wings.

I even have a small, faint freckle on my right hand that my parents told me was an airplane when I was little. Always ready to go!!

So I've got deep roots and big wings.

Both of these things are wonderful but sometimes they collide.

Today is one of those days. I live in this big conflicted city of mine where people don't stick around. Jobs, money, space, suburban life, marriage, etc pull them out.  My deep roots cause me to love with all of my heart and love with a loyalty that might suffocate some. I tend to push and wiggle my way into peoples' hearts and lives and struggles. You've probably painfully experienced that part of me...I'm only a little sorry for that :).

Well the conflict of deep roots and big wings has hit again for me. I hate good byes. I hate change which is a symptom of the deep roots part of me. I'll be the first on the plane to a country you probably won't ever want to visit (see those big wings?) but when it comes to friendships, I hate change. Moving to New York has been change enough on my relationships. No one warned me how many good bye dinners and parties I would go to and now....AGAIN....a dear friend, a brother to me is moving clear across the country....and let's face it, I hate it.

We prayed and cried and told the Lord we know He's sovereign....and we do know this but it sure doesn't make it easier.

Neil, you've been much more than a friend. You've literally been my brother. I know we don't look all that much alike :)  but you are my brother and I love you, buddy. Texas, buckle up. You have no idea what is headed your way. You'll be blessed for sure and you will laugh a lot. Neil, you'll be fine. Just fine. In fact, finer than frog's hair ;). Fais de beaux reves.