I’ve been having a hard time trying to write this post. The boxes are finally all packed and the movers are here. We are leaving our home of 17 years…from a community I have spent all but 4 of my 52 years. It is definitely bittersweet.
Unlike my husband, I do like change, but I must admit that although I have never been “tied” to things…this property (2.5 acres of beautiful space, trees, gardens, and pool, tucked away on private drive) has been our oasis. A home of rest and peace.
We will be homeless for about 6 weeks, until our new build is finished. 2 weeks here, 1 week there…finally, moving our youngest into his freshman dorm, before we step into the next chapter of our lives.
God has taught me, through many trials, that we “stupid sheep” have a tendency to look back…re-step, where we have been…even if it is not a good place. We go back because it is familiar to us. It is what we know.
A wise teacher once said, “we must build up our track record of faith (trusting God) so that it becomes greater than our old ways…the track record of our past…a past without reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide. For many of us, we have spent more time there in that past.
“forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” -Phil 3:13
Yes, some things we should forget. Lies the enemy has tricked us into believing. Pain and suffering that has caused us to see others, ourselves and even God from a distorted view.
BUT…it is also good to remember where we’ve been. It reminds us of God’s goodness and the rescue He has made. As we share the process, others can see the things we have overcome, through Christ… and they will see God’s glory. Praise Him for He is GOOD!
It is good to remember, as long as we don’t “live” there anymore.
Here’s to the next chapter of our lives.
I am thankful for where I have been, and where I am going…
“God has been with me through it all.” (Colton Dixon)
Blessings,
1Arthouse 
Sue- Thank you so much for posting this! I really needed to read this today. Been battling holding onto what could have been and the past. I need to trust in HIS plan and know what lies ahead is so much better then I can imagine. Thank you.
You are so right Angie!! Our human reasoning will leave always leave us lacking…God is with you…it is He that reached down to where you are to speak to you about this. Thanks for sharing your heart! xo
Sue – Many blessings on the next stage of your journey. I love this thought –
A wise teacher once said, “we must build up our track record of faith (trusting God) so that it becomes greater than our old ways…the track record of our past…a past without reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide. For many of us, we have spent more time there in that past.
“forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” -Phil 3:13
Thanks so much for sharing your art and your heart.
Thank you for taking the time to connect with me Merri! It’s so encouraging to meet others who are also seeking after God:) The wise teacher I refer to is a teaching Pastor at our church who leads our Discipleship School. I am so thankful for the body! Thanks again for reading and sharing!! xo
This goes well with Isaiah 43:18-19 “Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”
Thank you for sharing this. Both scriptures fit my season as well.
I love the verses you shared Jayna! …”even now, it is coming!” While we sit and “stew”, He is already providing the bread! Thank you, thank you, for taking the time to share your heart and your thoughts! It is so good to have opportunities to encourage one another! Bless you!!!
Oh Sue, you have just told my story. We to lived 17 years in one place. We moved from from one state to another. I cried, laughed, so many emotions. I fought it for over two years but then one day God spoke to me. He said, “you have to turn loose so I can further bless you”. That opened my eyes and, I remember the scripture that says, be content wherever you are. That has been 20 years ago and as I look back, I now realize this is where He wanted me to be planted. We have been blessed above and beyond what we could have ever hoped for. You will as well my dear. In His Grip!
Alice, what a sweet encouragement! I loved reading your story…and isn’t that how our loving God works! If we trust Him, He ALWAYS provides far BEYOND what we could ever imagine for ourselves! Thank you for taking the time to share your heart…it means alot to me:) Love to you my Sister!!