THE CAMPBELL CLAN

I realize that we are in a new place and chapter in our lives. Moving to Houston is a drastic change. Especially for two small town, country folk, like ourselves! Oh, how I miss the simple, country life. Long for it, desire it. I am thankful that both our parents still live in the country. We have a haven to retreat to when things get a little hectic. The fresh air, green grass, slow pace, front porch swings and horse watching! Everything makes sense when you are in your element. A Baker doesn't belong at a Butcher Block. But like most of the human race, he will adapt to his surroundings. He may not have what it takes to bake a cake, but he does have different tools and machines to use to create a different masterpiece. He may not have the mental capability to work with "meat", but when you are around it day in and day out, you learn things not in your area of expertise.

I am that Baker. I have been taken out of my element into a totally different place. A place I never thought I would live, much less survive. But like the Baker, I have learned to adapt to the city life. I don't like it. I am still country at heart, but I have learned a few different things here. Spiritual things.

Like the Israelites, even in the desert they were given Quail and Manna to "survive." I am beginning to understand what my Quail and Manna might be. But I do realize that the Quail and Manna were only suppose to be a temporary satisfaction. It was not the ultimate fulfillment of their life. God didn't take them out of bondage just to have Quail and Manna. He took them out of bondage for the Land of Milk and Honey. Quail and Manna were just the "pit stop" of fulfillment. I am in the pit stop of life. After wondering around, I have discovered my temporary satisfaction here. It took a year, but I found it. I guess a year is better than 40!

But this also means the Promise Land must be around the bend. Whether it be next year or 10 years! I must not make this season of quail and manna the ultimate stopping ground. In other words, what I am learning now is not the last level God wants me to go to. There is a Promise Land of levels to reach.