Season of Change

We loved that blue house.  Asher doesn’t remember the bungalow in Newton, Iowa.  The blue house is where he had his first birthday.  It’s where we celebrated.  It’s the only home Ezra ever knew.  It’s where I raised my babies, and where we made memories.  The blue house was our family’s home, and it was home to my daycare.  We were happy that God brought us back to our childhood home of Waverly, Iowa, to raise our own children…  But a seed was planted, and the winds of change started blowing last Fall. 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot… (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) 

This Winter we leaned into God.  At first, the change was slow…  I wanted to have more time and energy for my guys.  I needed to take better care of myself.  For a variety of reasons, it was time to let go of the blue house.  We started looking at opportunities for work and options for housing.  God kept working in our hearts and working out the details of everyday life.  As the song “Always” says:

Oh, my God, He will not delay. 

My refuge and strength always. 

I will not fear, His promise is true.

My God will come through always, always.

He didn’t delay.  He showed up daily… The day after we received an offer to buy the blue house, we heard of a short-term rental.  We made plans to transition to our “in-between” house.  At the yellow house, our car was crushed by a tree one windy night.  Within a week, we had found another car.  When I had worries, when some of “life’s little details” where not so little, I remembered:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)           

Then some things were moving quickly and others seemed to move too slowly.  When our rental was sold four weeks after we moved in, we weren’t sure where we would go in the Spring.  We knew two paths lay before us, but it wasn’t clear yet which direction we would take.  So, we explored both options until it was clear.  It was hard not knowing where, when, how.  Yet another reminder of the ongoing lesson I’m learning about the desire to maintain control myself.  I’ve heard it said that “Change is inevitable.  Growth is optional.”  God kept working in our hearts and working out the long-term details.  I remembered a favorite song by Maire Brennan about how God will work things out in His perfect time:

Believe me
I'm not afraid
Teach me
To learn your ways
Carry me
Under your wings
In your perfect time

Now things are moving quickly.  We found a house.  Any problems that came up have been worked out.  Our family has been so wonderfully supportive.  Asher will not finish out school here, but he will have April and May to meet friends at his new school.  He will be there just in time to start soccer and join some fun Scouts activities.  Both the boys are excited about our new adventure.  I have to admit I had some worries about how they would react to the news of a move away from family, but I was happily surprised by their enthusiasm and inspired by some of their perspectives.  Of course, once past the chaos and uncertainly, looking in hind-sight after decisions are clear and final, it seems obvious now how everything was falling into place.  I lean on God’s promises:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I’m going to miss that blue house and our beautiful garden… but a house is just a house.  We are on the cusp of Spring, and we will dig in the Wisconsin dirt and plant a new garden there.  I’m going to miss family stopping by, calling to say “come on over,” or embracing us on Sunday mornings… but we are rooted in God and our family.  Family is a part of who you are, and family is always in your heart.  The road is not long, and we will cross the invisible line that divides states often. 

Our adventure may be taking us farther down the road a bit… but, while our address has changed, our home and our family remains the same.

Having someplace to go is home.  Having someone to love is family.  Having both is a blessing.