We're going to move again. It was just two years ago when we bought the house we're living in. We bought it thinking one thing and really found it to be quite another. I remember praying when we were walking through the closing process. I remember the Lord laying on my heart that this was going to be hard, but that it was worth it. I just didn't know how hard the past two years with this house would be!
But, I was struck by something this morning. Life is hard and it's easy to catch one's self complaining and focusing on the difficulties. Instead of acknowledging the difficulties (because they're very real) and then getting up and walking forward, it's easy to get stuck. I have a very dear friend who I call when I'm struggling and need to sort things out. She once made a comment to me that that's what's different about our friendship for her. We vent, but we vent with a purpose. That purpose is to find our way out of what's prompting our venting! And we do.
I realize I am rabbit trailing, but it's all related in my mind. It's easy for me to look back and dwell on the struggles with this house and heart ache it has caused me. Instead, it's wiser to focus on the end product. We've learned a lot and we've fixed a lot. I am beginning to pray for who is going to buy this house--that they would be blessed by it. That they would be blessed by having a house that is totally fixed! What a blessing! Our efforts will not be wasted because someone else is going to enjoy them.
In preparation for what is ahead, I, of course, have begun going through our basement. Our entire basement is unfinished and it has accumulated quite a mass of stuff in it! Wow! I walk around it and ponder. I have some ideas of what we can get rid of, but I struggle with a lot of it. My husband reminds me not to get rid of anything that we might need in our new home. But, there is much that is "extra".
Last week, we began pondering dishes. We inherited 20 boxes of dishes with this house. We had to open up every one. It's an interesting thing to contemplate... what should we really keep and what should we give to another? We ended up keeping 6 boxes, I think. We gave 4 boxes to one of my sister in laws, 1 box to another friend, about half a box to my mother in law, and a large box to Goodwill of odds and ends. Whew... Last week, I got about 12 or 16 boxes of stuff plus some larger items out of my basement. But, if you went down there, well, you'd never guess! But, I know.
When I go down into the basement, I ask myself, "Do I really want to move this???" Sometimes I find the answer is yes and sometimes it is no. Interestingly, I've been asking a similar question all along. I'm known by my friends for my continual purging and passing on of things we no longer need!
It's hard being patient. I know we're just in the beginning of this process waiting for this house to sell and just as importantly for the weather where we live to get better... My goal is to do one thing a day.
Monday: Dropped off bag of prom dresses from a friend of mine to the local high school for their prom closet.
Tuesday: Scrubbed floor in 4th bedroom, dropped off 4 boxes at my mom's, Clean all linens in my son's room
Wednesday: Got together forms I needed to assemble, Clean all linens in my girls room
Thursday...
Friday...
One thing a day is manageable for me and it also encourages me to make the most of this time while I'm waiting so that I'm not bombarded and completely overwhelmed when it comes time for us to move.
I keep reminding myself of God's plan and perfect timing as I wait for events to unfold. I am thankful that I can trust fully in His providence and plans. It gives me peace, hope, and comfort.
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