Every time we've gone to the mountains we've asked, "Why don't we live here?" Then we remember that a counselor can't just start over in a new location. Building a practice takes time. We remember our family, our great friends and the wonderful ministry I've gotten to be a part of for 20 years. We remember the amazing school God gave our son. And, we are grateful. Still, we've told a few friends that the only way we'd ever leave St. Louis was if some established, mountain-based counseling ministry called and asked me to lead their organization. In 22 years, the phone has never rung.
This spring, a consortium of several churches in Bozeman, MT asked if I'd consider starting something new. At first it was thrilling, to be pursued, to think that there might be a way to take my skills and use them in an environment that my family has always felt drawn to. But God's heart for me has never made my journey just "thrilling." God took this opportunity to again expose me and to invite me to know Him more deeply.
I began seeking the counsel of a few people I deeply respect, and was given much Godly advice. We began praying as a family, and God used the process to encourage my son of His presence. Things moved much more quickly than I imagined possible. Every step brought circumstantial confirmations of this being "of God," but internally I was a mess. Finally, a few weeks ago, I realized I needed to spend a day fasting and praying. Carrie joined me and I had an amazing conversation with God throughout the day. Below is a summary of that conversation.