It seems the time has come. It sort of came upon us quietly, so as not to alarm us, I suppose. We've always been a couple with the mindset of bigger and more, is better. One of life's lessons has taught us that is not always true. There are definitely defining moments in our lives. We've hit one...again.
My husband of 37 plus years, and I, are seeing the importance of squeezing into smaller spaces, meaning smaller (maybe less) furniture and less stuff. The word itself means to produce smaller models or styles of. I'm just a tad claustrophobic, so I have the challenge before me to create spaces of calming ambiance. That's one area I believe myself to be good...if not great, at. I can do it!
The funny thing about this is that it feels REALLY GOOD! At first we were a little shaky about the whole concept of uprooting from what we've always called "home". Starting over at the ripe old ages of 60 and 65, was a little daunting...to say the least. But we had that proverbial carrot dangling in front of us. And never a doubting word came into our hearing world. There was only one person, out of the many, I could see doubt in the eyes of. But she had something to feel loss from. It took her a while to wrap her heart around. But even she has gotten on board with the vision God has put in front of us. With so much encouragement, how could we fail? God has set the path in front of us. There will be challenges...maybe a few real obstacles, to overcome. But there has been placed much peace in our hearts concerning this move.
In the beginning, I tried to feel sorrow. It just wasn't there. I asked myself why I wasn't sad about leaving behind a business that had become more than the services it provided. It was a platform of God's love...to not only the people sent there, but to me also. Yet, I have never felt sorrow that it was time to leave. Our home, church, and work, have met the needs of the time spent in Oklahoma. Memories will be with us forever. Great memories. Some sad, some heart wrenching, some joyous, some over-the-top exciting. Some "what in the world was I thinking", some "we really did good". The years have flown by, seasons have changed, and now it seems to be time to "finish strong".
Please don't misunderstand that last statement. None of us know exactly what time has been allotted us and I don't speak with fear or anticipation of the end of my days. I understand that the beginning of things must also have an end of those same things. Everything...everybody. I'm just enjoying the journey! The "Winter" of my life will most likely be the best season of all. God says it's the time He cloaks us in His glory. So, if He says, "downsize", it's time to downsize! I trust in His provision.
It seems to me that God has saved the best for last. Isn't that just like Him? Oh my goodness...I am actually beginning to cry. Not from sorrow...from simple amazement of the things God has in store for those that love His appearing. Even in this life...especially in this life! I am soooo looking forward to the next leg of this wonderful journey! To be able to wrap my arms around my girls and Todd and my next son-in-law...and to feel their arms around me. To hold my future grandchildren in my arms. To watch the light in my husbands eyes spark once again. To be met with challenges and watch as God brings the solutions.
One last thought...
It has simply amazed me, to find all the STUFF we've collected over the years...quietly gathering dust. The lesson I hope I've learned is when we are finished with whatever it is we no longer have need of, let it be a blessing to someone else that doesn't have what they need. And carefully consider a purchase before laying the cash out for it. Maybe my grand babies or their parents could use a little of that unconscious spending.
Here's to seeing you again, if not in person, at least here...in Mary's World.
