Modern Day Sarai

As I write this, my son and his wife are on their way to Atlanta. Yep. They're moving there, lock, stock, and barrel. Just like Abram and Sarai, they’re leaving their native land, the one of their fathers and grandfathers and heading out for uncharted territory (family-wise). They’ll still be in the South, but a good three hours separates them from the nearest relative, one of Amanda’s brothers.

They have my utmost respect and admiration for “following their hearts,” for doing what they feel they feel they should do in the place where they feel led to go. Did God tell them to go there like He told Abram? I don’t know; I hope so. What I do know is that regardless of the many differences between those Old Testament days and the days of the 21st century, leaving everyone except your spouse to begin a new chapter in your life can be daunting.

A few differences: Paul and Amanda have two cars, a moving van, and her parents’ vehicle to take things with them; Abram and Sarai had donkeys and camels. Paul and Amanda have lots of “stuff,” stuff like two televisions, a computer (maybe two), two beds, couches, kitchenware, a microwave, tons of books, clothes, and even a Wii (is that spelled correctly?). The couple of yore probably didn’t have nearly as many possessions. Paul and Amanda used Google to help them chart their way; Abram and Sarai just headed out, not knowing where they’d end up. If the young couple get hungry, they can stop anywhere along the road and choose from an array of different foods. Hmmm. I wonder what Abram and Sarai took along the road towards Canaan. When they get to Atlanta, they’ll call to let us know of their safe arrival. Later, they’ll keep in touch with cell phones and emails. How did the Old Testament couple contact family they’d left behind?

While there are lots of differences between the two couples, there are parallels too. Many of us have experienced changes in location. Even moving from a parents’ home into an apartment can be scary, fun but scary too. Moving to another neighborhood, changing jobs, transferring to a different school…all of these things can be a bit overwhelming.

Like Sarai and Amanda, there will be times when all of us will leave our land. How will we fare? Will we look forward to it with anticipation and faith, or will we go “kicking and screaming?” Or will we even go at all? Will we instead allow fear and the need for security keep us from leaving our comfort zones?

I don’t know for sure, I think Sarai was probably glad she went. Just look at all of the interesting adventures she had! I hope the modern day Sarai, Amanda, is glad she went too. She’s going to have hundreds of great experiences and adventures there in Atlanta. ..one of which is an upcoming Braves game.

Good luck, You Guys! Keep the faith. And call home.