For the last week or so, Steven and I have been packing and working on all the logistics for our move to a new apartment in Brooklyn. We have sensed for a while now that this was the right thing but, largely because of me, we’ve stayed put. Having moved a few times, in our almost 10 years of marriage, the sight of a U-Haul truck produces heart palpations. Besides that, I’ve been very happy in my place. But, I am ready now, and I can truly say in the same spirit that the Psalmist did, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Who cares about an oversized apartment or a cute little backyard if Jesus is not there?
The upside to all of this is that I am filled with joy over the prospect of being close to our church. We will be close enough to walk to service and will be near the church family that we have come to love so much. Our testimony is that of Psalms 68:6. “God sets the lonely in families…” Almost out of nowhere, a couple of years ago, at a time of deep distress, God reached down from on high and took hold of us. He powerfully, yet ever so gently, set us on solid ground. He graciously blessed us with beautiful brothers and sisters, and spiritual mothers and fathers. Truly we have known the grace of God that flows down to us by way of the saints. We bless His Wonderful name for bringing us into this spacious place and placing our feet on the solid rock of His Word.
Two nights ago, while packing, a wave of emotions overcame me. My mind began to spin and I felt like I was drowning in a great big sea. Thoughts of our past, anxiety related to the present, and fears for the future all swirled about. But then I remembered the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” One day at a time; one box at a time.
God has been more than faithful to us. Hasn’t he been to you, too? Let us entrust ourselves entirely to the holy and divine providences of a loving and faithful God.
“I compare the troubles which we have to undergo in the course of the year—to a great bundle of sticks, far too large for us to lift. But God does not require us to carry the whole bundle at once. He mercifully unties the bundle, and gives us first one stick, which we are to carry today; and then another, which we are to carry tomorrow, and so forth.
We can easily manage our troubles, if we would only carry the trouble appointed for each day. But the load will be too heavy for us—if we carry yesterday’s burden over again today, and then add the burden of tomorrow to the weight, before we are required to bear it.”
John Newton
Christina, may this season of changes be one of rest for your soul.
I loved hearing your voice, truly a good gift from above!
Thank you Becky! And, it was so wonderful to talk with you when you were in NYC! I pray that God will afford us opportunity to have a face-to-face over coffee in the near future! Blessings to you my beautiful sister!
My dad was in the Navy and he died in 1963. My mother married another Navy man & we moved around a LOT. When I dropped out of college to be a Navy “frogman” I spent another decade and a half moving all over the world. When the Lord called my wife and me to the Philippine mission field, & later to the Alaskan mission field, we seemed to be uprooted all the time. I’ve amassed and given away several libraries over the years. We spent yesterday and today preparing the house we’re going to move into.
Looking back over all those years, the Lord has truly shown me personally that I’m only a pilgrim until He comes; and when He does, there is nothing of any value for me to hold on to; nothing I will regret leaving behind; for no price in my hand I bring, simply to His cross I cling.
Thank you for sharing your heart sister. I hope I didn’t wax emotionally. You and Steve are in my daily prayers.
jon
That verse from Psalm 68 has always been precious to me – even more so to hear your sweet witness of God’s kindness to those He calls His own. I would LOVE to live close enough to walk to church. We drive almost an hour there and an hour home every Sunday. Wise man that John Newton. I’m a very visual learner and that quote inspires me to display a “great bundle of sticks” tagged with Matthew 6:24 in my home as a reminder. Blessing on your move and your new home, dear friend.
Treat Yourself
During a stressful time like a move, we often don’t feel that there’s enough time to get all the tasks done, and as such, we often neglect our own needs. I know that I often go without enough sleep, spend long days packing without taking breaks and end up eating junk food just to save myself cooking time. While it may seem like you’re be efficient with your time, you’re also neglecting the most important moving tool that you have: yourself.
Make sure you take care of yourself. Add in some time to your task list for special treats like having dinner with friends, going to a movie, visiting a bookstore or having coffee at your frienfs place. It doesn’t need to be big, just something that ensures you’re taking time out from the hectic moving pace…..Be Blessed.
Christina, I too have moved many times and know how overwhelming it can be. As I shared earlier we moved 17 times in the first 18 years of our marriage. At one point we lived in 5 different houses in the space of 2 years – and with two toddlers, and a dog and a cat in tow.
But the Lord directed each one of those steps. I love the old Gospel tune:
“This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through,
My treasures are layed up, somewhere beyond the blue,
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore”.
Truly, this is all temporal and God gives His grace for each day exactly when we need it. Moving has it’s advantages too – new neighbors and friends, etc. Builds character!
Congratulations on your good move!!
Wow. Thank you all so much for your loving encouragement. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends!
Last night, while packing, Steven found the lyrics to an old song, “Everything I Need I already Have” Isn’t that the truth? He is our great reward and what have I on earth that can compare? We are pilgrims passing through and this world holds nothing for us.
May the Lord richly bless each and everyone of you. Your kindness and warmth has given me much comfort.
PS Our furniture is too big to fit through the doorway! (NYC apartments are notoriously tiny.) So, we are trying to figure out how to get it in there! There’s been some discussion of hoisitng it through the window. Can you imagine?
$1500 to hoist the furniture in through the window. Forget that noise.