An amazing but trying day

I apologize to those who've recently come across my blog through Twitter or other means that there hasn't been much to look at lately. This'll give you something to read for now.
Today was one of those life-changing days - it came with its share of problems but it was also so rich with blessing and goodness, it's too amazing not to share some of it.
The condensed version is that we heard a message at church which seemed at least in part to validate a course of action we'd been considering for some number of weeks and was almost like the swift gust of air needed to get a stationary sailboat moving. We felt a sense of relief as we shared some of these details with some of those closest to us, compelled by the message we'd heard.
We also watched a couple who'd been married 25 years renew their vows - an equally moving and thrilling experience. Earlier, I'd seen two people who'd been at opposite ends of an issue work out their differences in a short, love-filled conversation. I truly saw a reconciliation happen and it was very cool to see.
The trying part came in the form of facing nearly immediate challenges after we'd left church. Yes, I understand the verse which says "the rain falls on the just and the unjust."
I get that.
But it seemed like it couldn't be a coincidence that we were getting resistance so soon after we'd heard these redeeming and heart-stirring words of truth.
At its core, the message was simply that following/trusting Christ carries with it no actual (as in no clearly calculable) risk, but it isn't safe to follow him. His followers, scripture warns, will face all manner of trials and tribulations. Our church, the messenger said, is to be a place where it is safe for those who don't know Christ to come, learn about Him, ask questions and generally find out what our faith is all about. It is also a place where once someone commits to Christ it is no longer a "safe zone."
So we've got our hearts open to hear more from the Lord about how best to follow this path He's laying out for us. For those of you inclined to pray, please do so and ask Him to help us hear and trust Him as walk in the direction of the sound of His voice.