21 March 2007

Risk Is a Game of World Domination and I'm Taking Over the World

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a chance? I know I have. I'm pretty sure that I've never really taken a chance on anything--a real chance. Sure, I've made some small gambles here or there: switching from Diet Dr. Pepper to Diet Pepsi, buying DVDs without having seen the movie, and so on. Nonetheless, there aren't very many real consequences to these things.

I have skipped out on a lot gambles in my life too: telling certain girls how I feel about them, moving to Nashville sophomore year, and things of that larger nature. Nonetheless, those all worked out as I no longer have feelings for any of those girls and I'm about to be a college graduate.

For the first time in my life, I've decided to lay it all out on the line. Many of you know that I want to move to Austin, TX in 5 months. What many of you don't know is how much I wrestled with this decision--especially after the possibility of a future job with New Heights arose.

I gave the decision to God. I knew that my heart wanted to go to Austin, but I wanted my heart to match God's heart in this. Not to mention, my head was thinking about the logistics. I wanted to prayerfully consider this. So, that's what I did. I prayed. I prayed a lot, and I prayed hard for God to help me make up my mind and make a decision.

Adam and I left for Austin last Friday, and I was ready for God to give me a resounding "yes" or "no." On the way down, Erin Johnson had called me; however, she thankfully did not tell me what had been on her heart about my moving (although she later revealed it to me).

The weekend was amazing. It was extremely fun and relaxing, but the best part was that I felt God answer my prayers. One of my worries was finding a community of believers--a church and friends. Now, I never thought this would happen on a weekend excursion. However, we found a group of people with a common heart for Jesus and a common heart for the arts and a common heart for people. We visited some churches, but you've already read about that. By the way, I liked Mosaic a lot, but I want to visit a few more churches.

The fact that I'm planning on visiting more churches should clue you in to what God revealed to me. I felt God strongly telling me to move to Austin. I felt like he eased my fears about moving too. On top of this, when I got home, Erin decided to tell me what she had held back in our phone conversation. As she had prayed for me, she felt on her heart that I would be stupid not to go--a mix of her wisdom and God's. She's right.

I love New Heights, and I love leading worship. However, there will always be an opportunity to lead worship (either volunteering or as a job). There will probably be an opportunity to do this in Austin. However, the opportunity to take a risk this big will not always be there. This is a chance for me to step out on a limb and do the thing which I love most--make music.

So, if you've been wondering, I have OFFICIALLY decided to move to Austin. I'm not going to say that I'm probably moving anymore. Now, I am simply moving. This is to say that I love you all, I'll miss you all, and let's hang out for the next 5 months.

9 comments:

erinelizabeth said...

I'll miss you, too...that is, if I'm not in Austin with you two! You're a great friend, James, and I am happy to pray for you!

ps-i failed the eye exam the first time i tried to post this comment

James Miller said...

wow...that's sad...but, on the other hand, my word verification is kind of hard...I can't tell if it starts with a w or two v's.

James Miller said...

It started with two v's...

Shelli said...

Just when Justin and I start to get closer with all you "younger crowd" of people...you all up and f'n leave. I mean...don't get me wrong...more power to yah, but what the heck are WE supposed to do? Who are we supposed to tickle, play silent football with, and drink with.

GEEZ!

Shelli said...

...I'm over it.

James Miller said...

Shelli, you guys are welcome to come play silent football and tickle me in Austin. Also, there's a pretty sweet Irish pub that Adam and I went to down there. In other words, you and Justin could (read: should) visit.

Compston said...

I'm never coming to visit.

Jennifer said...

really? like, Austin, as in Austin, Texas? like, a whole state away? neat. may you find much delight in tex-mex throughout all your days. and maybe when i get home you can tell me more about this?

ps: my word verification was an actual word. is that legal?

Cal said...

I concur. Risks are awesomely life changing.