Friends on four continents, taking the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset, and children who spoke fluent Italian. The courage to travel on public transportation in a city where I didn’t speak the language and the courage to send my children on a plane without me, because they are old pros after all. Art over my mantle from a market in Tuscany and a bottle of wine in the fridge from the town we called home in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Yet the sight of these few remaining moving boxes and the unknowns of restarting my work in a new area weigh me down.
It is a beautiful, exhausting, and challenging thing to pick up and move your life. Those who haven’t moved as often think the house-hunting, packing, or address changes would be overwhelming. In truth, it is the relationship building.
Deciding to walk out the door to find a new church home. Choosing to ask the woman with a smile and gorgeous locks about her hair stylist. Asking God to show you how He will use you here. Enjoying the unknowns because He knows and that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:27-29
His Word gives me strength to do this, again.
Much truth, and wisdom here.
I enjoyed your Five Minute Friday post. My daughter is marrying a Navy man in a few short months… and you have given me a glimpse into her ‘soon to be’ life.
Those of us who remain ‘planted’ in one place admire your courage and truth be told, are a bit jealous. Keep smiling… AND writing!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, even after all the blessings of this military life, I can’t imagine my children choosing (or marrying into) it. May your daughter’s marriage be blessed and your heart full on the wedding day.
Oh man, I would have a hard time with that. Bless you!
It has been tougher with this move, but God is faithful to remind me that He can only use me when I’m willing to take the risk.
While I envy the wonder of experiencing so much of the world, I can imagine how hard it must be to move time and time again. Building relationships is hard for many of us, even if you stay in place. It must be that much harder when you move around. Yet, you seem to have developed a confidence that I also envy, the courage to begin new relationships knowing that they may not last forever. Thank you for your words.
I have been so blessed to know that most of the relationships that are temporary in this life, will be eternal with our Heavenly Father. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
You nailed it. Everything else is a breeze compared to relationship building. Yet, it is exciting to wonder “Who will be the people I am closest to here?” and “What things can I be involved in at this place?”.
You are a great reminder of why it’s worth the ‘risk’ of stepping out to form those relationships…SO glad to call you friend <3
loved this post. “In truth, it’s the relationship building” which seems harder with each move. Maybe it’s because as the kids move away (into their wonderful grown up lives) i find fewer things i need to go and do ‘outside’ my house. No practices, games, play dates where you instantly meet other moms with similar lives and form relationships. Still to young for bridge club (haha), i find it harder to meet people~ or maybe i CHOOSE to not meet people~It’s easy to stay home and read, clean, eat, nap etc.
So thankful to know that GOD has a plan for my life even when I do NOT!!
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