We’re moving this week and though I am excited about living closer to my family again, I’m not enjoying the process. Packing everything , navigating the maze of boxes stacked all over the house, notifying everyone of a change in address … and that’s just on this end! We’ll be an hour away from each of our kids but we don’t know anyone in Washington, MO.
There have been many times in my youth when I wished I could move away from my past and make a fresh start, like we are doing now. I was embarrassed and ashamed about choices I had made, and the resulting consequences, and believed a new address would magically wipe the slate clean. No more worrying about who I might see when I left the house. No more driving past scenes of unpleasant memories.
Given a do-over, surely I would veer away from guys who spend more money than they make, drink and smoke and cuss, and cheat. I would go back to school and emerge with a degree that would enable me to change the world, while making plenty of money. I would exercise and stay in shape, eat healthy, become a morning person, keep a clean house. I would be a perfect mother, given the chance to start from scratch.
Now that I’m older, I understand that a change in geography isn’t likely to change the person paying the rent or the mortgage. Whether I live in Branson or Washington, I’m going to stay up too late, put off vacuuming as long as I can, and eat too much chocolate. Now and then, I’m going to run into people from my past, who might be quick to remind me of my social gaffes.
The amazing thing I’ve learned though, is to be thankful for those big mistakes, even the life altering ones. Immersed in misery, I couldn’t stop seeking answers and solutions and eventually, it led me to the Book, the Good One, the Holy Bible. The minute I turned to the Lord, He picked me up, dusted me off, gave me a hug and set me on the right path … all without packing a single box. What we do makes us who we are and lands us where we are – which is always exactly where we are meant to be.
Lucie Johnston is looking for adventure when Cain Cantrell returns to town, looking for a loan. Lucie’s brother warns her not to get involved with his childhood friend, but Lucie is longing for the kind of adventure she’ll never find if she remains under the watch of her mother and brother. Suddenly, she finds herself in the mountains of North Carolina, married to Cain, working seven days a week in their gourmet chocolate shop. Six months later, when Cain is killed in an accident, Lucie has too much pride to go home a failure. She’s determined to make her little business succeed … does that mean Mark Henley, owner of the rival chocolate shop, must fail?
Leaving home with Cain was the biggest mistake of Lucie’s life, but the Lord can turn her bad choices to good. Thanks to some gentle prodding from an angel named Ichabod (or was that a dream?) she eventually lets go of her anger and pain and misery and opens her mind and heart to something new – the forgiving and healing love of the Lord.
Gingers219 says
I haven’t moved in a while, but I remember, and that’s enough for me. :) My husband and I have been talking about downsizing when our kids are older (still several years away), but I have so much stuff. Where would it all go? Definitely not looking forward to that!
Narelle Atkins says
Diane, great post! I don’t like all the work involved in moving house, either. All the best for your upcoming move and I hope it all goes smoothly :)
Valerie Comer says
You wrote that so eloquently Diane! We’ve moved many times, but not in the last 15 years. My feet are itchy again to experience something new.
I hope your move is going well, and that sounds like an interesting premise for a book.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I hope you move goes well, Diane. My parents recently moved for the first time in over 30 years. They are still unpacking boxes five months later.
Autumn Macarthur says
Hoping your house move goes smoothly, Diane! It will be so good to be nearer family again.
Hubby and I are looking at probably making a big move in the next year or so too, not just house but country! I’ve done it before, but it will be the first time for him.
I had to smile when you described wanting to move to make a fresh start! My sister and I used to call it “doing a geographical”. It never works. Thank God for His mercy and grace, letting us make a fresh start every day <3