Move Forward Anyway
Can you keep a secret?
I mean…like…really keep a secret?
You promise not to tell?
Okay, I’ll tell you.
Surprise!! In March 2020, my hubby and I quietly began building our first home. Shhhhh – It’s a secret, but I had to share with my Bloomin & Prunin Family First!! Six weeks from now, we will be Phoenix Homeowners. [Insert e-confetti and virtual fireworks here].
The entire month of December will be dedicated to cleaning, washing, sorting, organizing, purging and packing. If you’ve ever moved, you are well aware of the copious amounts of random and even meaningful “stuff” that accumulates over time. We definitely have some work ahead of us, but this process is incredibly exciting.
After almost a year of viewing about 100 model homes, I envisioned that the décor of my own home would have a polished aesthetic with dazzling chandeliers and coordinating premium paint designs. I had plans of buying new furniture, bedding, towels, and even a new car! Who wants to pull a 2011 Toyota Corolla into the driveway of a brand-new home? “Nobody!” Right?
That was my attitude. Although, that may be the perfectly right response for some people, it is not, however, the right response for me in this season. I had to slow down, and ask myself? “When the door cracks open to your dream, and you can see it shining brightly within your grasp – How will you respond Chelsea”? Why are you so quick to throw things away? Is “new” always better?
So, I looked around our apartment again, this time, with a fresh perspective. Yes, our couch is a bit worn, but it’s the first couch that my hubby and I purchased together. Our bed has some dents in it, but, we also spent the afternoon playing music, laughing and talking as we assembled it -- together. And yes, our car is almost 10 years old, but it is the vehicle that we drove 7 days across the country - to pursue Jesus by moving from Washington, DC to Phoenix - almost two years ago – together.
The more I looked around our home, the old “stuff” that I so readily discarded in my mind, began to become invaluable and irreplaceable. I know we are ready for a change, desperate even. The “change”, whatever it may be, may not “look” the way you want it to, but it’s happening, and it’s here. For example, people who are promoted to an Assistant Manager was, most likely, already doing the work of an Assistant Manager well before they were granted the official title.
Please don’t miss the message my friends. There is a season for all things! Some of you may need to purge EVERYTHING LOL! But, it’s not about the “stuff” at all, it’s about who you are becoming because of it.
For me, in this season, I intentionally choose to be content, grateful and thankful for every day, every moment, every blessing and every trial. Yes, your season is changed, but all of the “stuff” that you went through in 2020, may not need to be placed in the trash in hopes of forgetting about the hard times.
Take it with you.
Not the weight of it – But your stronger, resilient better self. Take all that you are now, because of it, with you into your next journey.
Remember, we bought a house in March and I lost my job in June. If this year has taught me anything, I have learned how to wait on God. I have been humbled. I have given while I was in need and I have also learned how to ask for help. I have felt waves of hopelessness, despair, pain and loss – and I have experienced the joy of exuberant hope that only comes from Jesus. I have totally dropped the ball in many areas, and in others, I have excelled. I can’t make sense of it - But God Does. This life is not easy. He never said it would be. He did, however, promise to never leave us and to be with us always.
Honor Him
Thank Him
Trust Him
&
Move
Forward
Anyway
Be Strong & Courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord Your God will be with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9
WHAT’S GOT TO GROW? WHAT’S GOT TO GO?
What’s Got to Grow: Moving into a new home is easier when you are Organized. I am blooming in structure and organization this month. I’ll be creating an Excel Spreadsheet & Pulling out the sharpie, label maker, duster, and furniture wipes to facilitate a smooth move.
What’s Got to Go: #Solongbyebye Criticism. This is an area that I have to work on. When my eyes are full of light, my body will follow. May I always be found to have a soft, gentle, word on my lips at all times.
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