We moved Saturday. The chaos is OVERWHELMING. Utterly, completely, creativity-killing overwhelming. Because we only moved a mile, this has been the long move. Literally, we’ve been moving things off and on for months. But Saturday, with the help of AMAZING friends, we moved the furniture. It’s kind of mind-boggling how much stuff 6 people have.
I thought we’d done a great job of purging and donating while we were packing. Then Saturday night arrived. The reality of getting everything to fit into the new spaces.
I almost started hyperventilating. Has anyone else ever had a moment like that?
The moment where all your preparations fall woefully short of the reality of life.
My mantra to everyone has been, we aren’t done purging. Everything you take out of a box or put on a hanger, make sure you need and want it. Otherwise, it’s leaving.
As I thought about that, I wondered: Is this what my heart looks like when God looks at me?
I think I’ve done the hard work of clearing out the things and sins that don’t please Him. But in reality, does He look inside my heart and wonder when I’m going to let go of that sin that entangles me? Does He wonder when I’m going to find my worth and satisfaction in Him alone?
So today, as I’m unpacking boxes, I’m asking myself what do I need to unpack in my life. More of His love, patience, self-control? How about a dash of peace and a swig of kindness?
I’m also asking what items need to be shoved in a box for recycling or simply thrown away. Maybe some self-pity and woe is me? How about tossing the entitlement attitude that believes life should be simple and handed to me?
So I’m not quite ready to toss piles of books. I am a bookophile after all! And I feel happiest surrounded by my books. And slowly but surely, areas of the house are settling into peaceful order. I just have to realize it may take awhile to get the entire house the way I like.
What would you like to add to your life? And what do you think needs to take a hike? And what’s your favorite part of moving?
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Cara, we moved four girls and all their stuff into our house a month ago and we’re still sorting in unpacking. Also, my office got moved into my bedroom so it’s a big mess right now. I can relate! And I’ll pray for you!
I don’t know how you do it, Tricia!
I know how you feel, Cara. We made a big move a year ago, and while I LOVE our new location and home, there are still boxes lurking in my basement, waiting to be unpacked. Which makes me wonder…do I really need all that stuff?
The boxes that lurk scare me! So many boxes are filled with research books.
I’m needing to downsize. We have seen some of those very small retirement apartments and by the look of their size I would need to get rid of everything we have! Think it’s easier to just stay planted here.
Oh I hear you! Every move is a chance to downsize.
I just moved about 2 weeks ago – unfortunately the house we now live in is smaller than we moved out of. Therefore I have had to go through many things that I had already gone through before moving. It certainly is time consuming, but there is the hope that this house WILL get organized and prayerfully I will still be able to find things 🙂
We purged boxing up and we are purging again as we unpack. Craziness!
Cara, congratulations on the move, and I hope things settle into normal soon.
I haven’t moved since I was little, but my favorite thing about it is getting to decide where in my room everything will go. I figure it will be the same once I finally can afford to buy my own home. Only I’ll get to arrange the entire house instead of just one room. Talk about happy! I could go crazy in a scenario like that.
Blessings,
Andrea
That is s fun part. I’ve loved helping the kids own their new spaces.
What lovely mom-kid time! Won’t that make for beautiful memories for all of you? 😉
I haven’t moved in almost 20 years, but we might be moving a mile away, too! And there are 9 of us, so talk about purging! I’ve definitely been overwhelmed but am looking forward to more room and land to roam. Beautiful post, thank you for sharing!