Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Wagons Ho

I’ve debated for weeks whether or not I would write this post, but you who follow our blog are like good friends, and if I could sit down and have a glass of iced tea with you today, this is what I would tell you: As you read this, my husband and I are setting out on a move from one side of the country to the other. Believe me, this California girl never EVER thought she’d be leaving the Golden State, and certainly not for the hot and humid southeast. It’s surreal to me still as I say it. Well, if I’m going to be real, rather than surreal it’s more like living an episode of the Twilight Zone.

People keep saying, "Think of it as an adventure." But it doesn’t feel like an adventure. It feels exactly like what it is: an uprooting. And it’s painful. We’re leaving our family--which is the absolute worst part of this–our friends, and the community we’ve lived in since Rick and I got married 43 years ago.

People also say, "Think of all the new material you’ll have for your books." Well, the truth is I haven’t been short of material, and if I were, I think it would be easier to live with than this cross-country move.

The reason for the move is noble, but it doesn’t help. Maybe if I were more spiritual, it would. Or if I were less stubborn.

I have a lot of questions for God these days.

A lot of scriptures have been floating through my head, such as Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." And 1 Corinthians 10:13, which tells us God will not give us more than we can bear. But the truth is, I’m having a difficult time reconciling those scriptures to my circumstances. I know, that’s where 2 Corinthians 5:7 comes in: "We live by faith, not by sight." But right now it doesn’t help, because the tears in my physical eyes are clouding the vision of my spiritual eyes.

So if you think about it, I could really use your prayers the next few days as we drive our separate vehicles across country, and in the next few weeks as we acclimate to our new surroundings.

One really great thing coming out of this is that I’ll get to spend an hour or two with Latayne as we pass through her part of the country. We haven’t seen each other in more than 5 years, so you can imagine how excited I am about that.

Beyond that, if I seem a little lost in the weeks to come, you’ll know why.

6 comments:

Sandra Stiles said...

Moving no matter how far is always difficult. I will definitely lift you up in prayer over the next few weeks as you face these new challenges in your life.

Patti Hill said...

Anything I could say to you would sound trite, except that I love you, always hope the best for you, and I will be praying for you. The good thing about the SE is that macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable. That's one good thing! Others?

Latayne C Scott said...

I can't wait to see you!! I may not be able to make you feel better, but you will brighten my life just with your presence! Love you...

Megan Sayer said...

Oh Sharon, my heart is with you as you make this journey, and I pray that...WHAT?? YOU'RE DRIVING!!! OH MY GOSH WOMAN, ARE YOU NUTS???!!!
I'm sorry, please excuse me as I pick up my jaw from the ground. WHAT???!!!!
Oh dear. I come from a family...okay, a state...where the need to drive any more than twenty minutes constitutes a major road trip, and possibly an overnight stay. It's a size thing.
I seriously can't believe you're driving.
You know I love you. All the best. Take plenty of breaks. Don't forget to go to the toilet. Say hi to Latayne for me!

Josey Bozzo said...

Sharon,
I feel your pain. Four years ago I went through the same thing. Where in the southeast are you headed? I'm in Virginia. Maybe you will be close enough for a shoulder to cry on and a future friend.

Anonymous said...

My family uprooted after 20 years in Southern Indiana outside of Louisville to an island in Alaska.

It was, indeed, an adventure. And it was, indeed, a painful uprooting. Still working on putting down roots here. But God is working all around us, daily.

I pray that you, too, will see God at work daily. And that the hearts of the people in your new home (and it will become home to you) will be prepared, as well as your hearts prepared for them.

Blessings!
Voni