3 things as the house unravels

Today I officially started packing. W's sorting and scanning. I'm trying to get my suitcases closed and out of his way by next week so he can pack his things. The apartment is no longer the restful space that we've enjoyed for months. This week we've begun the move through chaos toward a new season of life overseas.

Ahhhhaaaaaah (BTW: that's my favorite perfume
on the table, not a bottle of alcohol.)

With two weeks to go:

1. What a mess! Spaces look worst when they're taken apart - before reassembly. The suitcases are open - half-full - in the closet AND the living room. Papers and books are mostly sorted, but piled on the chairs and dresser. We're eating food that we've saved for company - almost at the end of that season of hospitality here. One more dinner is planned, and we're considering a neighborhood open house to say goodbye.

2. Life is in the details. The china we've used (why save it?) is being swapped with everyday dishes for the students who will live here. I'm counting dishes, blankets, sheets, etc. to make sure there's enough; our bedding gets packed away before we leave. I'm sorting the final cut of winter/summer Seattle clothes. We'll each leave one bin of shoes/clothes/accessories for visits home. (The closet was already pretty empty compared to the "big house"; this week we'll have one more "Blue Bus" curbside donation.)

Our final trip to Eastern Washington = clouds without rain,
beautiful sky, empty roads - and great memories.

3. Paring away gets easier with less things to sort. But it's a bit wrenching to let the memories go with the final things we set aside. If we can remember to be grateful for every pleasure, every year surrounded by family and friends, and every blessing of working in Seattle, days are filled with joyful peace. I'm just starting to imagine what we'll wear and where we'll live: first we have to clear out the past. Might as well be thankful for yesterday's abundance.

How do you move through transitions? Are you happy? Looking forward with anticipation? Fearful? Dreading the future?

Our God, for whom life holds no surprises, delights to take us by the hand, to walk with us as we may feel out of control and helpless. Doing what's in the day, taking one step at a time, we'll look back with amazement at how clearly he was leading. (That's what I keep reminding myself.)

Read more:
*Do not be afraid of sudden panic, for the Lord will be your confidence. Proverbs 3:25,26 ESV

*The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19-20 NIV

*I will bring them through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. Zechariah 13:9 NKJV

*Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:7 ESV

*Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:14-15 ESV

Moravian Prayer: God, where you lead we will follow. As the morning dawns into a new day that you created, may we feel your presence. Lead us as we embark on our faith journey today. In your name we pray.

In this new week, we can claim your love and grace. We will shout out with thankful hearts that through your guidance, Lord, we will do our best to honor you. Amen.