A Time to Plant, A Time to Uproot

My wonderful four year old and I made a countdown caterpillar today.  It is a countdown to when we head back "home" to see all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.  We can hardly wait!


Ecclesiastes 3:1-2  "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and and time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot..."

Eight months ago our family moved four states away from what had been our home for our entire lives.  It has been a big adjustment for everyone!  As I read this verse today it hit me in a new way.  We had a long season of planting and investing into our home, church, and life up North.  But the Lord said it was time to uproot.  I like to think of it more as transplanting actually.

He replanted us in a new, somewhat intimidating, place.  Now, it is our job to grow.  He feeds and waters us with His word,  guides us with his light, and is an ever present and attentive gardener.

Many positive things have happened since moving here:
1.  I began writing this blog which the Lord has used to show me things I don't think I would have seen otherwise.  Hopefully there has been growth and maturity in my walk!
2.  We've had a lot more time just as a family since we moved here knowing only one other couple.  It has forced us to create family memories that may not have happened otherwise.
3.  Daddy and Little Man have started having "Man Mornings" a couple of Saturdays each month. So special!  Highly recommend!  It changes Little Man's whole demeanor and brightens him up.
4.  Since our schedule has slowed down so much, it has fostered time for Mommy and Little Man to work on Bible verse memorization and morning devotions in his 'Jesus Storybook Bible'.
5.  There have been sacrifices made on both my husband's and my end in order to have a happier and healthier family.  It's helped us to be more selfless and loving.
6.  With not having my mom to lean on for the difficult days of parenting (while the husband is at work), it has forced me to push through those times with more reliance on God.  The Lord has taught me a greater level of patience and grace with my children.  And I think I am becoming a better mom.
7.  Stepping out of the comfort bubble to make new friends has been challenging, but sooo good for me.  It's really easy to get comfortable and not deviate from your circles of friends, church, etc....  If we do ever move back "home" I will be a lot more conscientiousness of new comers to church and just reaching out in general.

Thank you, Lord, for this time of growing.  It can be so lonely and hard some days, but you are ever faithful! You are growing me, stretching me, and polishing me in ways I never knew you would.  Being refined can only bring me closer to you.  Deepen my faith, Father.  I want to know you more.