My Happy Homestead; Is Going Country
That’s right, we are moving! We are packing up and heading to the country.
Some might say us suburban raised “city slickers” have no idea what we are in for. Some might think we have lost our beloved minds. Some might have feelings of sadness, anger, excitement, jealousy, or just pure joy for our family. Some are still sitting there shocked by such a change -while others have seen it coming for years.
Here is the thing, although to some it may seem the decision to move was made nearly overnight – it in many ways has been nothing shy of the opposite – it has rather been a life long journey.
This winding road of foundation building has truly been going on for years and, I am only just now beginning to see some of those very intricate pieces God had layed before us so many years ago. I also venture to say we will never fully know nor understand all of the individual pieces; while, other pieces have been so perfectly set before us one can only believe they were set there just for our awe and wonder.
Growing up I was always somewhat of a dreamer. (Ha, who am I kidding ? I still am!) I would play for hours creating families of paper dolls, swinging on our swings gazing off into the clouds, or playing with my doll house built by my grandfather. I would dream of houses, families, and simplicity. The things I remember and cherish most about my childhood were “simple things” like 80’s music playing 24/7, visits to grandparents houses, boating, swimming, jumping rope, going to plays, mystery trips, and just being a kid. These are the things childhood memories are made of.
Childhood memories are made up of faith, intentional parenting, planning, purpose, and being present.
You’re probably wondering what my childhood has to do with moving and here it is; 6 months ago Ed and I didn’t have any clue where we wanted to move – nor did we ever imagine we would go from deciding on a location to buying a home in less than 2 months time. Did I happen to mention ‘our plan‘ was to not move for another 3-5 more years?
Ah yes, and that childhood I remember so vividly – could it really be one of the original pieces of our foundation was built during that very time. The very place I loved to drive with my family – the place with the winding road, the hills, trees, and fresh air- that very place on the way to our annual family mystery trip to see “The Christmas Carol”. Could it be that same road of childhood comfort would one day be the path that led us to our new home?
It is only now, that I am beginning to see each piece- so perfectly layed before us. From childhood gardening memories, skills passed on from grandparents, to childhood friend’s (who just so happened to mary your cousin and will now be your childrens’ new dentist) because of coarse they will be among your new neighbors.
How does this stuff happen? For real people, I could not make this stuff up! Who moves an hour away only to be brought back to their childhood-
During our dating years – we would venture north and scour real-estate catalogs looking for property; we would talk about cottages and various locations. We would discuss blueberry picking in the wild, hunting, and spend countless hours searching for the northern lights over the lake. These are the things that brought us together. These are the things by which God has built our foundation –
God sized dreams that seemed insignificant and at times maybe even a bit unrealistic –
Faith
Family
Friendships
Love
Hope
and, Trust
So although to some our move might be a shock – to others it’s exactly where God has called us to be.
The road doesn’t always make sense and it certainly doesn’t always seem fare. No one promised this life to be easy because it certainly isn’t going to be so – but being faithful, living intentionally, and being present in the very place you’re called to be at this exact moment is truly priceless.
Be sure to take a seat and stick around as I dust off the shelves of this space, add some new ‘decor’, and take you down the dirt roads with me!! Sign up here for our “Homestead Happenings” news letter for the newest and most up to date behind the scenes happenings.
