Nov 14, 2005

This Old House

Well, it's official! We have a contract on our house and a close date for December 1st. The buyer is going to let us lease from her through the month of December so we don't have to move out for the holidays. What a gift, especially with a one year old! The house on Grand is also still looking good. We have filed to take the contingency off of the contract, and our close date will be January 31st. This means we'll have to live with my parents for about a month before we move in, but we're just thankful that we didn't end up losing the deal altogether.

God has been so faithful to work out all the details of this move. From the moment we started praying about this decision, things have fallen into place, and doors have flown open. While I am sad (very sad actually) to leave friends here, I feel confident that God directed us, and He is in control.

Lately, I have been having such bittersweet feelings as I start think about packing up this house, and making preparations to leave my job at church. There are so many wonderful people here that I cannot imagine my daily life without, and yet, I have faith that God will continue to bless these relationships while providing new ones in Abilene.

One more quick note-- Interestingly, after all of this prayer about the move and confirmation with our house selling, and jobs falling into place, Chad was offered a job today that would allow him to make considerably more money than we'll be making in Abilene. We could pay off grad school and cars. I could quit working. We could go on a vacation! Why now? Why was this option thrown into the mix? (I am so thankful for my wise, unselfish husband who was quickly able to say, "Not interested. This is not part of God's plan for us right now.") I guess I tend to be more selfish in nature because I had to evaluate things before I was able to come to that conclusion.

As I was thinking, I was reminded of a verse that I read on the same night we showed our house to the person who is now buying it. It's from Luke, the Parable of the Sower, a story I've heard countless times. But as I reread this scripture, one verse stood out to me: The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:14 I had always remembered the seed that fell on the path and rejected God, and the seed that fell on the rock which turned away from God in a time of testing. But this seed in verse 14 grew distracted by worry, money and the comforts of life and simply failed to grow! This caught me because these are my struggles-- worry, money, the comforts of life!

I realized that I don't want to get distracted by the possibility of more money and miss what God has in store for us when we follow his leading. I don't want to be that seed! But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15
My prayer is that we, as a family, produce a crop in Abilene and wherever else the Lord might lead us. . .

6 comments:

Kate said...

I am counting down the days until ya'll are here! I am so excited and happy for you that the details with the houses are working out. I pray that you will have peace about the whole moving process and about trusting in God. Love you! Thanks for being a great big sister!

JENNY said...

Summer,

You have such a beautiful and genuine heart. I would be thinking and worrying over the same things if I were in your situation. (You are an encouragement to me!)

I'm glad you guys will be close to family, though. Chris and I are jealous! We'll be praying for you all and this big transition.

Can't wait to see you soon!

Love you, Jenny

Julia said...

You know for me your move is also bittersweet - and I'm tempted to make it more bitter than sweet! But I know the Lord is clearly leading you there and He wants to bless you richly as you serve Him. How selfish would it be to want you to stay knowing it is clearly His will for you to go? My friend, you have blessed my life for 10 years now, and I know He will continue to do so, even from a few hours away. May God bless you for trusting in Him & making the hard decisions that honor Him! As always, you encourage, inspire and challenge me! I love you!

jkreggp said...

We are looking forward to your arrival. I think it will be fun having you guys in our little house for a month before you settle in to your own place. * Love, Papa

Hollie Reese said...

I am excited, jealous and sad all at the same time. Of course, we will probably see you more now that you will be in Abilene!!

Unknown said...

What a sweet posting! It was such a joy to hear this story at our Ladies' night on Tuesday. The light in your eyes as you shared it was evidence of God's plan for you working out. And the money thing...what a wise decision. You and Chad and Ava are beginning a new adventure, and although you will be greatly missed - I LOVE you guys - so many lives will be blessed by your presence in Abilene. Another one of my precious brides showing what a strong woman she has become. Thanks for all your prayers in the past few weeks...you are a very special friend and sister! Hugs...Mindy