We moved to North Carolina just 7 1/2 short years ago. In this time we added a 4th child, bought a house, graduated a son from high school and made many wonderful friends. We helped organize a homeschool support group and joined an amazing church that has become like family to us. Now it has come time for us to say goodbye and move on to a new season in our life.
Ecclesiastes 3
3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
The kids have been busy having play dates and sleepovers. I have pretty much been a yes mom the whole month of July. I have just wanted the kids to know that their friends do love them and will miss them. It isn’t easy saying bye. However, it is a part of life that we sometimes have to go through. Change can be good, even if you don’t see it at the time. The kids are having the biggest problem with this, especially the younger two. They don’t understand why we have to move. We just keep being upbeat and positive about all the new adventures that we will be having.
Saying goodbye has been hard for me, too. I have come to love this area and the people in it. Yes, I know that God has a plan for us. It is meant for us to go to Colorado. We will listen to Him and obey, no matter how hard it is. God is in control and will take care of us. In the mean time, I will cry when I give hugs and say goodbye. I will hold my kids, love on them and tell them that it is okay to be sad and okay to cry.
I will also tell the kids that God is holding them. That it is important to listen to God and not only listen, but to obey Him. God will send us new friends and new activities to do. As long as we keep listening, obeying and glorifying Him, He will give us comfort and peace. I know that God has great plans for our family. We may not know 100% sure what they are just yet, but we have our ears, minds and hearts opened, ready to do His will.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
In the meantime, I am clinging to His holy words. We still have some purging and packing to do, but will be ready to pull out this next Wednesday morning. So as our family takes this next step in our journey, please keep us in your prayers. Prayers for peace, comfort and safe travels. Blessings.
As one who has moved and had to convince our kids it would be a ‘fun adventure’, my heart goes out to you! My prayers follow you. Oh my are you in for some wonderful sights between your old mountains and your new ones! Gotta get out there and help you plan that ‘western’ 2:1! 😉
Thank you so much for the prayers, Carol Anne. Yes, do come and visit and perhaps we can plan a conference there! 🙂
Oh, this must be such a bittersweet time–saying good bye to friends while following God’s lead for the future. I will keep you in prayer as you pack up and drive. We’ll be awaiting an update once you arrive. Hugs to you!
Thank you Michelle for you prayers. I will let everyone know when we arrive. I am excited about this new season in our life and I know God has an awesome plan for us!
We are considering moving to the KY, TN, NC area due to employment issues, and it’s not an easy decision to make! I think it’s harder for me thinking about the kids and how they feel about it. Knowing that God has a plan for us makes it all so much easier whether we stay or go. Your family is in my prayers! God will bless you for the faith that you have in Him!
Hi Kelli! No, moving is never an easy decision to make. It was tough on me, because my younger kids just didn’t understand why we had to move. It was tough on my older kids as well. Even though they knew why we needed to move, they were leaving many friends and a church and homeschool families, that we had grown to love a lot. I did the only thing that I knew to do and that was to fully rely and trust in God. I can tell He has been with us every step of the way! Thanks for stopping by!