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“We must accept the end of something in order to begin something new.” (pinterest)

I just read an Upper Room devotional article about a girl leaving home to attend college for her freshman year. She realized that everything was changing; that it would never be the same again. The thought was scary and sad, but also empowering and exciting.

My husband and I are entering a similar phase at a much older age. We are making our 18th household move – the Air Force accounted for over half – this week as we move into a one-level smaller home closer to family. I have been counting the “lasts:” The last time driving from our current home to nearby shopping, church, and gas stations. The last friendly conversations with neighbors who are sad to see us leave. The acknowledgement that we no longer need long-held items as we down-size and sort through lots of things that we decided to give away because we no longer need them. Difficult decisions and just lots of “lasts.”

Here is the summary from that devotion, written by Colin Kelly: “I struggled with the idea of my life changing so rapidly. I prayed, reflected, and asked God for guidance. Just as the disciples had to accept that Jesus was leaving and that their former way of life was over, I had to remember that God led me here. And so I followed.

Although the goodbyes were tough, I know they prepared me for my future. Knowing that changes are part of God’s plan for me has made me grateful and optimistic. God is with us every step we take, even if that step is in a new direction.

Blessings,

Sue