What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. ~ Martin Luther

Sunday, June 15, 2008

All will be revealed in due time


A week or so ago, I wrote about some secrets bogging down my heart and mind, some 'unknowns' that were clearly about to drive me mad. They came very close to doing so, too, but just in the nick of time things began to reveal themselves to us. My hair is still MOSTLY on my head, my mind hasn't gone COMPLETELY mad, and my heart has been eased of *some* of its worry.

And now it is time to finally let it go. Get it off my chest. Stop being so secretive, even to myself.

Our lives are headed in a new direction. A very, VERY scary one and a very, VERY exciting one. Equally scary and exciting, both at the same time. Through a long and drawn out saga spanning all the way back to September of last year, Matt has acquired a new job. No. Not a job. A career. One that he has wanted as long as I can remember, one that he even applied for way back in the first year of of our newly wedded lives.

He'll not be painted with manure every single day, but will reside in an office for part of the time and make farm calls the other part. I will be able to hug him BEFORE he showers when he gets home, instead of after he has washed the splatters of crusty brown from his ears and neck. He will no longer come home with bruises on his legs from being kicked and there won't be many more stepped on toes, either.

This career move will allow Matt to have EVERY Sabbath off, in fact, the WHOLE weekend! GASP! And, brace yourselves people: He even gets off HOLIDAYS! *a collective gasp ensues* I know. I just can't fathom it!

It also requires us to move. again. Oddly, to the same place with which we left almost three years ago. Again, with protruding baby belly I have the incredibly enjoyable (ha!) task of packing up an entire house (though, SOMEHOW, it seems like we have more stuff now. I wonder how that happens???)

It is a rare decision that offers singly good and wonderful prospects, completely void of sacrifice and concern. Life is about good and bad. Yin and Yang. I recognize that any decision will have pro's and con's and wisdom falls responsible for deciding which is outweighed and which is not. So it is with this move. It is an exciting time in a lot of ways, yet, there are real issues that we will have to contend with. I am not so transparent as to go through them here, nor so insensitive...but suffice it to say, it will be an adjustment for many~ especially us.

When we first moved out here, we did so eagerly and happily on the wings of a too-good-to-be-true opportunity for Matt to become owner of a large dairy farm. Turns out, it really was too-good-to-be-true and we were rudely awakened. Of course, this realization came only AFTER my 9 month pregnant belly had packed up an entire house, we moved with a newborn and I unpacked an entire house with a newborn; only after uprooting our family from all relatives and friends and became settled in a new and unchartered (by us) land.

I don't consider moving out here a mistake, mind you- just more like God's plan working and not ours. I am ever so thankful that we did move here, even though it had many many hard times, because it opened our eyes to many things we may not have seen otherwise. It gave us opportunity to be a family and create our own traditions, it helped us realize how wonderful it is just to be together as a family; to not be pulled and pushed by the expectations of others. It opened our hearts to two particular families who became less like friends and more like family as time passed on. These two families are so dear to us, to me. They are my friends. My mentors. My encourager's and future. They are incredibly dear to us and leaving them is proving to be a most difficult thought. It leads me to tears every time I think about it. This is one of those sacrifices that must be made for the greater betterment of our family, and right now, it is the hardest. I pray for God's strength and grace to say goodbye to our frequent chats and visits, and pray that He will allow our less frequent visits to be made more sweet. Our ties can never be broken, of that I am sure.

But where to move TO? Well. God is good and has already set his plan in motion~ His plan is far greater than we could ever have imagined for us. Isn't that often so?

The home that we are to move into is our dream home. To some~ it looks like a dust pit within a boxy, old frame. To us, it is the start of our dreams come true. We aren't drawn to fancy crown molding or the same number of bathrooms as bedrooms. We look past the boards and paint, and see the LIFE that can be lived there. This home has the potential for LIFE. For living, exploration, sharing, growing, learning, and cultivating a rich life. Most especially, a place that draws eyes heavenward at the bounty and beauty of God's creation. These are the things that draw us in and sparkle our eyes with misty joy.

It lies on 90 acres of pasture and woods, it is home to many outbuildings, and it neighbors several Amish homesteads. Gardens, perennials and orchards are no longer a distant future dream but one that, with sweat and joy intermingled will come to fruition very soon. Animals are no longer 'something we can get when we have land' but are real prospects for the spring. Our own fresh eggs, fresh milk from a local dairy until we can get Corynn her cow , and plenty of other 'plans' and dreams that, Lord willing, are soon to be realized.

The plan right now is to rent, and I pray fervently that the nonchalant offer of an exchange of ownership will work out. For now, our rent payments will go to a couple who we hold in incredibly high regard, our brother and sister in Christ that we shared our lives with in our old congregation. Renting somehow is easier when you respect and love those whom you are renting from, and I trust them completely. When we are certain we love living in this place (psshaw!) and that Matt enjoys his work (ditto!) and that we can dig our roots firmly and deeply in the soil, we will discuss purchasing. In the meantime though, pennies will be pinched more than never before in order to make this dream a reality with our name's on the deed.

Since September, we have held bated breath and lifted many a prayer for all of these things to come about. Time seemed to travel at a snail's pace, and we grew impatient as the moons circled their orbits with no news. Three weeks have passed since the day Matt endured an incredibly long interview, we walked through our future home, we've exchanged several phone calls and finally, were offered the job. Now, we have three weeks more, to pack up all our worldly possessions and say good-bye to this chapter in our lives. The new chapter begins July 15th, or thereabouts.

May God grant me strength...




21 comments:

Andie said...

Oh, Rebecca...What a WONDERFUL secret! I prya the move will indeed be a great one! I pray you 'make it through' the next few weeks, and move! I moved during both my first and thrid pregnancies (one when I was 7 months pg, the other at 8 months! NEVER doing that again!). You can do it! I will keep you in my prayers!

Blessings-Andie

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

That is such a wonderful secret! Thank you for sharing. You'll be in my prayers. Moves are never easy; saying goodbye is never easy. Yet, the hope for an even brighter future is always a wonderful thing to look forward to...

Mrs. Hurzeler said...

That is so exciting. I cannot wait until house prices go back up and we can find our future, hopefully on an acreage. Good luck packing, and weeding through all the stuff that has been acquired, that I am definitely not jealous of you for. LOL. What a job. But how thrilling to settle your roots down deep. Something I am just itching to do. God Bless.

Bonnie said...

Yippee! I had a feeling you were moving "back home"! I am glad for you to be closer to your families, and able to put down real roots! How exciting! I wish I could come help you pack, bring you dinner, take care of your littles so you can get ready, but instead I'll just pray God gives you the energy and quick thinking, and the littles boundless contentment to stay out of your way and trouble!
I know the move will be a bit rough, but I am still so excited for you all!
Yay!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I have yet to figure out God's timing when He makes a major life change. Like having us move to another state ten days after a C-section!

I know He is guiding you and blessing you. We will all look forward to hearing how it all comes together.

Grandma Bibby said...

I am so thankful that the Lord has answered our prayers. It will be wonderful to be closer to family, have a place to spread out, and a great job. God has lead you thus far by your trusting in Him. He won't let you down. Now I really can't wait to come east for a visit!!! Some day, no date in mind.

Tracy said...

Dear Rebecca and Matt,

What a wonderful announcement! And what an awesome God we serve. I'm so very happy for the two of you, and the news that you'll be living your hearts' dreams. May the Lord make this move an easy one for all of you.

Terri said...

How exciting! That is very neat news. THank you for sharing your news with us, Rebecca.

Unknown said...

How wonderful! It's hard work moving, but where you are moving to sounds just perfect. Congratulations on your good news!

Anonymous said...

Dear Rebecca,

I want to share a poem with you...maybe you're familiar with it...it describes you so well.

IMAGINATION
by Edgar Albert Guest

The dreamer sees the finished thing
before the start is made;
She sees the roses pink and red
beyond the rusty spade,
And all that bleak and barren spot
which is so bare to see
Is but a place where very soon
the marigolds will be.

Imagination carries her
across the dusty years,
And what is dull and commonplace
in radiant charm appears.
The little home that she will build
where willows bend and bow
Is but the dreamer's paper sketch,
but she can see it now.

She sees the little winding walk
that slowly finds her door,
The chimney in its ivy dress,
the children on the floor;
The staircase where they'll race and romp,
the windows where will gleam
The light of peace and happiness -
the house that's still a dream.

You see the weeds and rubbish there,
and ugliness and grime,
But she can show you where there'll be
a swing in summertime.
And she can show you where there'll be
a fireplace rich with cheer,
Although you stand and shake your head
and think the dreamer queer.

Imagination! This it is
the dreamer has today;
She sees the beauty that shall be
when time has cleared the way.
She reads the blueprint of her years,
and she can plainly see
Beyond life's care and ugliness -
the joy that is to be.


Many blessings on your new adventure! We wish you only the best!

Your friend,
Kris Zerby

(P.S. I emailed you when you have a "free minute!")

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you. After many years of working jobs with few weekends or holidays off, I was glad to find a career I love. I don't make as much money as I could had I stayed where I was, but the joy of being with my family makes it worth the sacrifices.

I'm glad you had this time away to establish tradition for your family and now have the opportunity to return with the goals for your family coming before others goals for you. Sometimes I still struggle with that.

I wish I was close enough to help with the move. Last time we moved, we stayed in a hotel the night we moved everything. It was so nice to have a clean room with towels someone else would be washing and a nice warm shower to look forward to. When we move next time, this is going to be part of the budget for sure.

I am so excited for you and look forward to reading about your next adventures.

Anonymous said...

Rebecca,

What wonderful news!!! We've been praying for you and Matt throughout all the waiting and hoping. How wonderful to know you can now move forward with your hopes and dreams! Just remember, once you get animals of your own Matt may still come in the door with manure crusted on his ears and neck. He may still get bruises on his legs and his toes may still get stepped on. ;) Such is the life of a farmer whether working for someone else or caring for his own family farm. :) I'm so excited to see you all again and would love to see your new home!!! If there is anything that we can do, please let us know! We'd love to help unload the moving truck or help unpack.

Liana said...

Wonderful.
We'll be praying for you & your family during your new transition...
what excitement to enter yet, a new chapter!

Michelle said...

I am sure you are ALL relieved to finally have an answer. The house sounds wonderful, and full of possibilities, like our house (although yours has much more land!) In fact, my eyes start to get teary when I think of us having to move in a month and half. It seems like we've just started making our house a home, and we're uprooted again... I know the Lord is guiding our steps and it will be ok, but it still isn't easy to leave friends, family and your own house.

Even though you don't write all that is in your heart, I understand much of it because I have been and am going through the same thing.

As you all move to the area, we will be leaving. A sort of "changing of the guard"? haha

If you're here by the 15th, I will get to see you all a bit.

Rebecca said...

Thank you all so very much for sharing in our joy! I have read and reread everyone's sweet words and find such happiness in them!

Kris~ THANK You for that beautiful poem! I LOVE it. It is now a favorite and I am going to print it, frame it, and hang it in a prominent spot in our new home. LOVELY!

Pincushionpoints: I really appreciated your comment. This just is going to be quite a paycut and it heartens me to know that you went through something similar and yet it was still worthwhile. Thank you for sharing that.

Leah~ yeah. I expect manure. Now probably on the hands and feet of children too...but probably much less. I mean 1-10 cows is far different from 2,000! :-)

Michelle~ Oh GOOD! I am so glad I 'll be able to enjoy your company for a bit! I know very much what you are going through and want you to know (not that it helps!) that I will REALLY miss you!

Anonymous said...

Hey hon ... I'm so excited for you and this new adventure for your family. God has definitely blessed your patience and now your dreams are coming true!

Love,
Kris

Abigail said...

God is good and He will continue to be as you struggle through the tasks of moving and settling in. Again, let us know when/how we can help you in this (ad)venture!

Amy's Blah, Blah, Blogging said...

What wonderful news!

And, it sounds like a lovely life to me!

Kelli said...

Rebecca,
I am so happy and excited to hear this wonderful news! What an answer to pray!
Hugs,
Kelli

The dB family said...

Dear Rebecca! What wonderful news you have shared! And you put your thoughts and feelings into words so beautifully! I pray that it will be all you hope for and more and that our Lord will bless this move and the adjustments you will have to make. What an adventure!

Victoria said...

OK - as a result of recent busyness and computer probs in my life, I'm just getting a bit caught up. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm excited for you all!

Can I ask who your husband is working for? Is it a seed company? You don't have to post it for the world to see, but if you want to e-mail me, go ahead. Just curious if you'll be in our neck of the woods.