My temporary office
Today is the day I’ve been anticipating for the past eight months, the day we move into our new home in Michigan. It’s the end of a journey but also the beginning of a new one.
Library shelves in our new house
My husband Ken and I started planning his retirement last fall as we vacationed in Michigan where he grew up—and where we met and fell in love. As we cycled along one of our favorite bicycle trails near the lakeshore, we saw a “For Sale by Owner” sign in front of a beautiful little house that I’d long admired. The owners were having an open house that day, so we tromped inside in our cycling clothes. As soon as I saw the custom-built library shelves in the great room, complete with a rolling library ladder, I fell in love. The house had everything we needed, including a gorgeous new office for me, and a sandy beach on Lake Michigan where we could watch the sunset every evening.
But it was only October of 2013. Ken wasn’t retiring until May, 2014. We returned home, looked over our finances, prayed long and hard, and decided that we just couldn’t afford to own two houses. Renting and/or commuting for the next eight months were also out of the question. With heavy hearts, we told the wonderful Christian couple who were selling the home that we simply couldn’t buy it right now.
As it turned out, the owners had been praying as well. In a moment I will never forget, they called to tell us, “We believe God wants you to have our home. We’re willing to take it off the market and live here until you sell your house next spring.” It seemed like a miracle.
Packing
All winter, I sorted through twenty-two years’ worth of stuff we’ve accumulated since buying this house. As spring arrived, I began to worry about how this would all work out. Would our house sell quickly and for a good price? What if it didn’t sell at all after the sellers in Michigan had waited so patiently? We prayed and listed it for sale on a Friday morning, and after a weekend of non-stop showings, we had five offers by Monday morning. We accepted an offer for our full asking price. The beautiful young family who bought it is as excited about their new home as we are about ours.
Ken and I at the beach
Now the months of packing and waiting are over. As you read this post, I will be unpacking boxes, setting up my computer, and putting books on my library shelves. From start to finish, Ken and I have seen God at work in this move, dispelling all doubts about our decision to retire in Michigan. And maybe that’s why everything happened the way it did. With a move of this magnitude involving so many changes in our life, God must have known I would have questioned and doubted and second-guessed our decision if things hadn’t gone so smoothly.
My new office
We’ve arrived at a new beginning, praising God for His goodness. I wonder if Abraham and Sarah felt this much joy and anticipation when they packed up their household to follow God?
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What an awesome story of God’s goodness! And what an encouragement to know that when we ask Him for direction (and stop to listen for his answers) His leading is strong and clear. What’s extra neat about your story is that the details of your move are about blessings and guidance for THREE families. I just love God’s economy.
Oh I just love those bookcases! Welcome to Michigan – it truly is fantastic. 🙂
Wonderful office, Lynn. And my husband did bild shelves in my home, but they aren’t so grand! Enjoy your time.
What a wonderful story.
I’m in love with your bookcases, too, Lynn. 🙂 Now I have serious office envy. Ha! What a blessing to have everything work out in such a God-gifted way. I know you and Ken will come to love your new home as well as the people the Lord places in your path. And what a romantic way to retire – in the place you first fell in love. Sigh. It’s just good all around. Well . . . except for all the packing and unpacking. But hopefully those tasks will conclude quickly. 🙂
What an amazing God, we serve! Only He could have orchestrated all of these things. Congratulations on your new home. I know you will be blessed and be a blessing to all those he places in your path. As resident of Ohio, the only thing I can say, is if only it weren’t M———.
Welcome to Michigan, Lynn! Your story is a wonderful example of God’s loving care and I’m so glad He provided this dream house for you! May God bless you in this new chapter in your life.
Congratulations on your new home. Your story is truly a blessing and inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Sounds like a dream come true Lynn. You must be so excited! 🙂 I pray everything goes smoothly for you both. God certainly answered your prayers didn’t He?
God bless you, Lynn! What an exciting new beginning. May God fill your new home with peace and wonderful new memories.
Oh Lynn….I felt I was reading a fairy tale as I read about your journey with this house. 🙂
It all sounds wonderful – – you and Ken finding this house so perfect for you, the kind couple selling it who waited patiently, AND the family buying your previous house – – Wow! Definitely the Lord at work in all these details.
I am thrilled for you, and as others have said – – I too LOVE those bookshelves! Also love how close you are to the lake – – so scenic. (Seeing at least one of the Great Lakes is on my ever-growing “Wish List”). 😉
I’ve had you on my prayer list as you prepared to move, and I’m thrilled to read this post today.
Hugs from Georgia, Patti Jo
Lynn, congratulations on the big move! The glimpses of your new home are beautiful. Those bookcases, exquisite. Don’t you just love how God works things out? If y’all hadn’t prayed, or the other couple hadn’t… you’d still be house hunting. His timing is sublime. Enjoy your new blessing!
Blessings,
Andrea
Wonderful story and adventure. Enjoy!
Isn’t it so awesome how God orchestrated everything about your move? So wonderful!
I know envy is a sin, but I’m so envious of your bookshelves. They would house some of my books.
Lynn, I am so encouraged at how The Lord orchestrated the sale of both your homes and gave you your hearts desire. His care and outpouring of love and care is evident in your story. Isn’t it wonderful to be His child!! Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights! Enjoy your unpacking as you make new memories in your new home.
In tears :*) So happy for your blessing and thank you for sharing the story. What an awesome God we serve!
Enjoy making the house your home. I hope you will be inspired in your writing there.
What a wonderful story of God working out all the intricate details! Love it!!
Waiting on God’s timing is always beautiful! Just started a Bible study, which the disciples were told to “wait for the gift my Father promised”. So glad they waited, too! Enjoy your new home…I would have fallen in love with the bookshelves immediately, as well 🙂 I suppose your new books’ bio info will have to read “Lynn and her husband, Ken, make their home on “a sandy beach in Michigan, where they watch the sunset every evening”. Sound wonderful! We will miss you in Chicago!
Love it. And yes: Gods timing is perfect. This was an walk at the water 🙂
Welcome to Michigan … one of the most beautiful places on Earth. OK, so maybe I’m a bit biased, but I’ve lived here my entire life and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else!!