It has been a season of change. It started with our move from Oregon to California a year ago. Then there was settling into a new neighborhood, establishing new friendships, and getting re-rooted in a new church. We’ve also had the opportunity to strengthen family bonds and rekindle old friendships. It’s been a sweet time of shifting and growing but it’s also been a time of great loss.

In the middle of the transition, our 14-year-old fur baby passed. His death left a hole in my heart that is still trying to heal. But then sadness also visited us as we left behind family and dear friends that felt like family. We try to stay connected but a Zoom call can’t replace a walk down the river trail or sharing the burdens of life over a cup of tea.

I miss the things that have made up my day-to-day for the last 20 years.

Change is hard.

Yet, there are benefits that come from a time of change. It has given me a chance to reprioritize and rethink my routines. It has allowed me to see the patterns of my previous life in a new light and although it included many good things, it also included many blind spots and distractions.

There were behaviors I had locked in place. Some caused pain to precious relationships, and others, I realized, were protection mechanisms to spare my pride. But all served the same purpose. They kept me focused on my will, my need to control, and my desire to be right, rather than leading me to humbly surrendering my heart and mind to God. There was a battle of wills and I was bound and determined to win.

But God used a physical relocation to get my attention and to start the process of loosening the chains that kept me defeated.

I thank him for real estate agents, moving vans, and the empty feeling that comes when the distractions have been wiped away and you are left with time. Time to pray, reflect on the past, and dream for a new day. It is a precious gift.

Change is hard but staying stuck in routines, behaviors, and defeating thought patterns is harder. And here is the funny thing, God never intended for us to get stuck. He wants us to lean on him and allow him to continually transform us.

Yesterday, I woke to a beautiful blue sky, the sweet sounds of bird songs, and the fresh reality that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. It is a little scary. Much of what I had built my life on for the past two decades is gone. But I’m confident God is building a new foundation for my next steps. I also recognize that this construction will have challenges. Yet, it is freeing to know that I don’t have to manipulate, fuss, or strategize to make it happen. All I need to do is place my hand in his hand and take the next step and every step after that with him.

I want to encourage you, if you are in a position where all that made up your foundation is being shaken, you are in a wonderful place. I recognize it doesn’t feel that way right now but please hear me when I say, this condition is meant for your growth, for your good. You can reach out and grasp your Father’s outstretched hand. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you in the mess that is your present. It may take a moving van. It could require you to toss out the things you have clung to, the things you’ve used to insulate yourself from his love. But, he patiently, lovingly waits. And while he waits, your circumstances will continue to point out your need to let go and let him define your next step and all those that follow.

I hope you remember you are his beloved, his precious daughter.

Be Blessed,

When I’m struggling, I find this song helpful. I hope it speaks to you.

Take it To Jesus – https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=HY-QdAWMlxc&si=myZNpkwgAlYFFds3