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We get frustrated
when we hit a red light because it stops us in our tracks. We cannot move
forward until we are given the go ahead. We try to push through the yellow
lights so that we can hopefully avoid the red lights. We often rush through in
a hurry, rarely looking around to see if anyone else is in our way.
We welcome the green
lights. They mean we can pass through freely without hesitation. These traffic
signals are similar to the way we approach life. I’m finding myself likening
our journey to this vital piece of transportation safety.
My husband and I ran
into many red lights in our attempts to start a family. We eased our way
through some yellow lights in hope that we could get through without incident.
Finally, we were given our green lights and the miracles that bless our lives
came to be.
For several years
now, we have been dreaming a big dream together. We have had a dream to build
our own home that incorporates our wishes, style, and future memories. We’ve
dreamed of the home our children would grow up in; it is the same home we hope
to grow old in. With that undertaking comes a lot of planning, beginning with
where we would build.
The acreage in our
area is pretty pricey. This is attributed to the beautiful mountain views and
desirable, quiet lifestyle that can be found in the landscape. We had our eyes
on several pieces of property but none of them seemed right. They either wanted
more than we could afford or we could not get at least the amount of land we
have now. We continually felt like we were sitting at a red light that would never
change. Fortunately, we did not have to sit there forever.
Two years ago come this
September, we signed our names to a piece of property. It provides gorgeous mountain
views and presents us with enough property to hunt, raise a few farm animals
and have plenty of play space for the kids. A dream come true…more accurately,
an amazing answer to prayer. We had hoped to get at least 6-7 acres, which is
what we currently have. The Lord blessed us with 28 acres at a price that was
well within our ability to afford. The result was unheard of to the ears of
man, unless those ears have ever heard the amazing, miraculous blessings that
are granted by the Lord.
We’ve not done a lot
to the property as of yet. My husband and his volunteer fire department did burn
down the old house on the property. That was an experience. I’m excited to say that
we did spare several pieces of wood from the old home to make a farm style
table. It will be such a treat to maintain a piece of the old home that once
was there.
However, before we
can start the table, we need to have a home to put it in. We have been sitting
at this red light for almost 2 years. The list of worries, to-do’s and what ifs
has been extremely long. At times, we’ve been very overwhelmed and equally
frustrated at the lack of forward movement. Why?
The house has not
been ready for sale…I mentioned a long list of to-dos.
Where will we stay in
the meantime?
We have four dogs and
two cats. Most rentals do not allow pets and/or do not have the space to accommodate
our animals. What will we do with them?
How will we afford
everything?
And then…green light!
In the midst of all
these questions, we have been given the green light to begin moving forward
with our dream. We still have things we have to complete in the house before
putting it up for sale. However, we have a meeting with our realtor the last
week of the month. Our goal is to then have the house up for sale by August 15th
(or sooner). We have prioritized the things we’d like to have done instead and
are focusing on what must be done.
Within the last two
weeks, my husband’s grandmother’s house has become available. We will be able
to rent this until our house is sold and our new home is built.
The pets? My mom is
going to keep our two small dogs. Our two cats will be housed by a friend of
mine who also fosters and volunteers with one of the local no-kill shelters. We
are currently still trying to determine what we’ll be able to do with our two
large dogs, but everything else has worked out. I have no doubt that this will
too.
We have always had a
budget and adjusted prior to the birth of our son. Maternity leave cuts my
check a great deal and we altered our budget to accommodate this change. I’ll
receive my full check again this fall, which will help a lot. My husband has
been working a lot of overtime (mandatory). This serves as a mixed blessing. We
miss him dearly when he is gone for several days at a time, but the extra funds
will definitely be helpful. We’re selling things that we do not need and
cutting corners where we can. I know undoubtedly that we will be fine.
I think I get so
wrapped up in the details because I am a planner. I have to know how things are
going to work out and I get stressed and anxious when I do not know or cannot fix
them. I also like control. I like to control the outcome. I have a vision and
it is hard for me to let go of what I think would be best. However, this part
of our journey has reminded me that I do not always know what may be best. I would
have had us moved out and building two years ago, but the timing was not right.
I see that now
I have also been
reminded that no matter what lies before me or what the future holds, God
is already there. He already has the best in place for me. It is merely my job
to go as He instructs. At the end of this month we will be making the move into our rental. Prayerfully our old house will sell quickly and the building will begin shortly after. I look forward to sharing more about this new chapter in
the days to come.
What have you been
given the green light to do?
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