A year ago this coming September, I moved into a new home. To be honest, I was very content in my home and I was not wanting to move. But, in order to be closer to my family and church, a move was necessary. I listed my home on August 15th and before the sign was securely anchored into the dirt, I had a showing scheduled for the following day.

I had planned a trip that would require my leaving town the morning after the house was listed. So off I went the following day with a house on the market and a week-long trip planned with friends. Before I reached my destination of North Carolina, I had a contract on my home. The house sold in less than twenty-four hours. I was told the purchaser needed to occupy the home within four weeks. What was I to do? There I was in North Carolina with my house sold and an entire week before I could even go and find another home.

Months prior to listing my home, I found myself driving around the area close to where my daughter and family lived. One particular home was open every Sunday, so after church, I would walk through it. I often ask the Lord why I was drawn to this particular house. There was nothing about it that was all that spectacular, nothing that stood out or that I particularly loved. Yet, I was drawn there week after week. The house had been empty for over two years, the insects had moved in and taken possession of the space, and the yard needed attention, but it was available for purchase. So, while in North Carolina, I made an offer on the house and it was accepted.

Once home, the cleaning out and packing began. Three weeks later with the help of my daughter, granddaughters, friends, and my brother, I moved. I found it very difficult to leave my home, after all it was the last place I shared with my late husband, Mark, and a home in which I was very content. I will be honest, like Lot’s wife, I kept looking back to “what was” and failing to focus on what God had for me in this new home. I found myself continually comparing the new house to the old house and the new one came up short each time. Instead of being grateful for what God had provided for me, I was wishing I was back in my old home. The regret of leaving dominated my thought life.

Six months after the move, I was driving in the area of town where I once lived. I decided to go by my old house. As I drove down the main road leading to my subdivision, I saw things that were taking place in the area that would have affected the resale of my home had I stayed there longer. Suddenly, I was thanking the Lord for moving me when He did. I began to list all the things about the new house for which I was grateful. For all those months, I was looking back instead of looking around and seeing how God had taken care of me and the blessings He had given me through this new home. The drive that day changed my entire perspective. I now find myself at peace about the move, grateful for a safe and friendly neighborhood, and thankful that I am close enough to church to use my new home to bless others. Truly, God knows best!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18