Lessons from the Road: A Journey of Discovery, Connection, and Hearing God

This week, I'm coming to you from the window seat of my parents' house in Taupo, New Zealand. Looking out, I can see Lake Taupo and the majestic Mount Ruapehu. The sounds of Tuis and other beautiful birds surround me, creating a setting of peace and reflection. This is week two of our working sabbatical, a journey of experimenting, pausing, and listening to what God is saying in this season.

Here's what we've been doing, the observations I've made, and the lessons I’m learning—especially from the book of Exodus.

Listen to the podcast here: Heaveninbusiness.com/podcasts/heaven-in-business-podcast/episodes/2148995670

What We've Been Doing

Last week we travelled from Nashville to Los Angeles, then to Auckland, and finally to Napier. Coming back to this country, I was struck by two things: how small New Zealand feels and how much bigger the people seem (obesity incrasing)!

Our days have been filled with family time, catching up with loved ones in Havelock North and Taupo, and making intentional decisions about how to spend our limited time. I also got the chance to run Te Mata Peak—a stunning hilltop hike with breathtaking views. This journey has been about rest, connection, and resetting priorities.

Observations from Returning to New Zealand

Traveling back after years away gives a fresh perspective. A few key takeaways:

The Trade-Off Between Safety and Creativity
New Zealand has implemented extensive road safety measures, lowering speed limits and adding numerous road markers (and cones!). While these are meant to reduce accidents, they also remove personal responsibility (patience, self-control...) and the results lack evidence to support that more rules results in a safer environment. The more we try to make things “safe,” the more we risk people not thinking for themselves and the consquence is limiting creativity and innovation.

The Beauty of the Outdoors
New Zealand’s landscapes are breathtaking and freely accessible. Unlike the U.S., where you often have to pay for access, here, the national parks, trails, and even parking are free. This is a reminder to take time to appreciate God’s creation—it is good, and He made it for us to enjoy.

The Influence of Your Environment
Staying with my wife’s parents in a retirement community made me realize something: constantly being surrounded by end-of-life conversations can limit your sense of purpose and expectation for the future. Instead, we could intentionally surround ourselves with multiple generations. This keeps us engaged, curious, and full of life.

Take Don Finto, for example. At 94, he still disciples young adults, travels, and ministers. His energy and vitality are a result of staying connected to those who are younger and full of vision.

Lessons from Exodus

During this sabbatical, I’ve been spending extra time reading and meditating on the book of Exodus. A few key lessons:

God’s Timing is Not Our Timing
When Israel entered Egypt, there were 70 of them. 430 years later, they had grown to millions. Why did God wait so long to deliver them? We don’t fully know, but 2 Peter reminds us that God is not slow, but patient. His timing is bigger than our timeline.

Moses’ Journey: From Opulence to Obscurity to Calling
Moses spent his first 40 years in Pharaoh’s palace—wealthy, privileged, and powerful. But when he tried to take action in his own strength, he failed. He fled to the wilderness, where he spent another 40 years in obscurity, learning humility and dependence on God.

Here’s something fascinating: His father-in-law Jethro’s name means overflow, abundance, and excellence. Even though Moses was in a barren place, God still provided mentorship and training in true abundance—one that wasn't external, but internal. Sometimes, the very places we perceive as limiting are where God is developing the most in us.

Curiosity Leads to Encounter
Exodus tells us that Moses saw the burning bush and “turned aside” to investigate. That’s when God spoke to him. The lesson? Stay curious! God often speaks when we take the time to notice, pause, and engage with what He is doing.

God Knows Where You Are
Some of you might feel like you're in the wilderness, forgotten or sidelined. But just as God knew exactly where Moses was, He knows where you are. The very experiences you’re walking through might be preparing you for a significant calling ahead.

Final Thoughts

This journey has reinforced key principles:

Don’t play it too safe—growth requires risk.

Surround yourself with every generation.

Prioritize connection over accomplishment.

Stay curious—God speaks when we take time to listen.

We’ve got a Heaven in Business workshop coming up here in Taupo with 40-45 people, followed by a retreat in Queenstown. I can’t wait to see what else God reveals in this time.

What are you learning in this season? Comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Next Steps:

If you haven't checked it out, access a video or audio replay of the Atlanta Conference 2025 including speaker notes and summaries: Heaveninbusiness.com/ATL25replay

Resources & Links: 📖 Scripture Reference: Exodus 3 (Moses & the Burning Bush) - check out the meanings of the name Jethro and Reul: two names for the father-in-law and mentor of Moses. What does that say about what he was learning?

📅 Upcoming Heaven in Business Events: Website Link

🗣️ Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and insights in the comments!