#1 Snow Globe Shake-Up

I’m traveling down a road in Iowa, headed toward Sioux City, SD, and listening to a message by Kris Vallotton about giving yourself to your gift. The only reason I’m even writing is that, last week, I talked to my friend Matt. He told me he went to a Green Day concert, and Billie Joe Armstrong spoke about giving himself fully to the writing process. Matt said that, in that moment, I popped into his head. Then, two days later, my wife had a vision of me writing a book.

I’ve always felt “less than” in the writing department and often put myself down because of my insecurities. As a songwriter, I would tell myself things like, “I’m the melody guy,” “That’s not really my gift,” or “We should involve my brother because he’s great with lyrics.”

At the same time, my whole life is undergoing a shake-up—a season of change where nothing will be the same again. Just three weeks ago, I told my family, bandmates, and some friends that I wouldn’t be continuing with the band next year. This wasn’t an easy decision. There were several factors involved, but the tipping point came during a prayer session with my wife, Jennie. I felt the Lord show me a picture of my children and heard Him say, “They need you now.”

Many parents understand that there’s a window in their children’s lives when they not only need your presence but genuinely want it. I don’t believe it’s just a surface-level desire. Deep down, they’re seeking affirmation from their father—messages like, “You’ve got what it takes,” “Whatever you go through, I’m here,” “You are valuable,” and “You are able.” Most importantly, they need to see that my identity is rooted in the truth that God wants me, desires me, loves me, has a plan for me, sees me, and will never leave me.

At the same time, Jennie and I were being led toward career changes. Jennie, who had been a schoolteacher for 15 years before leaving to homeschool our kids, felt called back into public education. I found myself asking, “Why, Lord? Why would You have us pursue these things only to lay them down? Why homeschool our children only to send them back to public education? Why give me such a passion for music, only to bring peace about changing directions?”

But the “why” questions didn’t linger for long. The little confirmations from the Holy Spirit started coming in—other people sensing the same changes, dreams, and our community rallying around us. One of the clearest confirmations came when I asked my daughter, “Would you like it if I didn’t travel out of town on weekends and was here with you more?” She didn’t even let me finish my sentence before an exuberant “YES!” came flying out of her mouth.

My good friend and business mentor often says, “There are seasons and reasons.” Let me tell you, my family is the best, top-of-the-mountain reason for these changes.

I need to stop writing now, dry my tears, and regain my composure.

You are a good God.

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