(Very similar style to our new home–only ours is even prettier!
Photo credit: www.houzz.com)
Two weeks ago today we arrived at our new home in Ohio, to begin retirement near our sons and their families. Steve’s forty-year chapter of pastoring churches has been completed.
Times of transition almost always prove challenging. The month of June was no exception for us. Saying good-by to our loving, supportive congregation in Florida was difficult. I wanted to split myself in two, leaving half of me there, and moving the other half north to be near family. Either that, or convince the whole church to move with us. Alas.
And then there are all the questions such as:
- Will the family still be as enthused about our close proximity a year from now? In ten years?
- Will we be able to find a loving, supportive church, where we can make friends and enjoy new opportunities for service?
- Will we be able to tolerate winter again, after four decades in the South?
But I already know the answers—in part.
- If the family loses their enthusiasm for our presence, whose fault is that?!
- I can trust God’s leading to the church home he’s already hand-picked for us. He wants us to grow and serve even more than we do.
- Of course we can survive winter! Billions of people do it every year. Besides, the warmth of family will more than compensate.
And warmth of family is just one of many joys proffered by this new chapter in our lives. In fact, I’ve become “misty-eyed from splashes of joy”* a number of times in this process:
- Last get-togethers (at least for a while) with old friends, accompanied by much reminiscing and laughter.
- A surprise party and reception where love permeated the very air we breathed.
- The dozens of thoughtful cards, notes, and gifts received.
- A real estate agent and moving company representative who both turned out to be Christians.
- The ride from Florida to Ohio with our younger son, Jeremy. (He’s a very funny guy!)
- The first glimpse of our new home, especially the spacious, newly renovated kitchen. (We had made decisions from Florida, trusted our son, Eric, with the details, and had seen the process only in pictures.) Just like the homeowners on HGTV, I cried.
- The stunning tree-top view out the kitchen/sitting area windows and from the deck, because the house was built into the side of a hill.
- A raccoon we’ve named Ralphie, whose home is clearly visible from our back windows and deck. We’ve chuckled at his antics.
- Friendly neighbors—one of whom works at Home Depot and has already helped us with an electrical problem.
- And of course, the privilege to pop over to Eric’s and Hilja’s—to enjoy their delightful cooking and company and Baby Elena.
I could list more, but you get the idea. Perhaps the phrase “splashes of joy” isn’t quite accurate. It’s been more like a flood.
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Oh, Father, how I rejoice in all of the splashes of joy, the good which you have given to me and my house (Deuteronomy 26:11)—INCLUDING the house!
* (Someone else’s expression–not mine—though I wish it was.)
From the Inside Out 
I enjoyed so very much reading about your moving ‘adventure ‘ and new home. God does go before us, around us, and after us! Your witness to that fact encouraged and motivated me to to look forward with happy expectation to the future. Guy & I are praying Blessings to you & your precious family.
Thank you, dear Lynda. What a blessing for me to encourage YOU! And yes, “happy expectation” is the state I want to live in, too!
I am happy for you. Enjoy, your new retirement and family. Nothing like it. Miss you, but know you are happy just where God has planted you. I am blessed to have known you, even if it was a short time. I will be looking forward to hearing about your new life in Ohio.
Thank you, Laura. Love and miss you, too — already!
Love that you sound so content … 🙂
God is so, so good!
Thank you, Ginny. Yes, God is incredibly good. What we need, though, are some of our Florida friends to move north WITH us. How about it?!
It sounds like things are working out. Change is hard but it can bring about amazing things. Keep looking up and then forward.
Thank you, Debbie. Your last sentence offers great wisdom in just six words. “Up” first, then forward. I like that!
It’s so good to hear you so happy but we’d love to see a picture of YOUR house although the one in the picture looks so nice. I’d love to move in tomorrow!! You will really enjoy spring in Cinci. After you’ve lived there for awhile, that’s what you call it, Cinci. Miss you and love you. God bless.
Thank you, Grace! ‘Miss and love you, too. This evening felt like spring, when temperatures dropped into the 70s and the humidity subsided. I almost needed a sweater!!
So happy all is going well…we look forward to a fall visit on our way to Canton…can’t wait to see your home…we are thrilled for you both!! I pray for Eph 3:20 blessings as you settle and enjoy this new chapter in your lives! May God’s best blessings always be yours! We are soooo thankful for how the LORD shined through you both and altered our lives forever…to God be the glory…great things He has done!! I pray continual “splashes of joy” come your way! We love you both!
Thank YOU, Lisa, for your faithful loving kindness, prayer and support for 30+ years. Your Eph. 3:20 prayer has certainly been answered–numerous times through the decades. It will be WONDERFUL to see you in the fall!
PTL…Praise The Lord!!! God is so good!!! Hugs to you and Pastor Steve!!!
Ginny Kruisenga
Thank you, Ginny. Indeed, God is SO good I well up with tears just thinking about it–like right now. Friends like you are one of his sweetest blessings!
Is it not wonderful, that know matter where we go our God is always present, so rejoice always in this knowledge. Enjoy each day with your family and new friends, your old friends will always be near in thoughts and prayers.
I love the idea of old friends being near in thoughts and prayers. Brings to mind that cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 12:1, which could certainly include our friends in the faith. As we remember delightful times spent together, their example and support, those dear ones are “with” us in spirit. Right now I’m remembering standing in the parking lot that last time, chatting up a storm, laughing, and hugging tight! Love to you, Loraine!
I think I enjoy the blogs even more now that you are gone from Florida.
Since Steve doesn’t have to prepare a sermon any more, what are the chances we can talk him into starting a blog for himself? It might be interesting especially for other newly retired preachers, to hear the thought and issues and answers to this new life of his. Just a thought. Let Steve know we are thinking and praying for the both of you.
Love you both!! Nancy
What a great idea, Nancy! I’ll pass it on to him. Right now I’m sure these days feel more like vacation than anything (except for the first two weeks of unpacking boxes). However, we still have many projects to complete around the house. And I’m babysitting Elena every day for July & August. So we’re still busy–just in different ways!
I’m so thrilled that the Lord arranged for Jeremy to navigate you back up north! I know it must be sad to leave behind 30+ years of Florida friends; thankfully, the internet brings us all closer together and so quickly! We’ve lived through so many changes since Taylor. I remember back in the late 1960s a computer was the size of a small room, fed with punched cards, etc. Now those computers fit into smaller and smaller smart phones, etc. You and Steve are in my prayers as the Lord leads you to the church of His choosing. How blessed are we to be able to sit back and let the Lord work everything out for us. I’m assuming that Steve still has family in Columbus? Which, by the way, brings me to the blessing of being able to get together with you sometime this summer or fall. I’m counting on seeing you at least once a year, if possible! The bonus of watching Elena grow up…what a joy for you and Steve! You are in my prayers as you settle into your new life! Praise His Holy Name!
Amen and amen to your comments, Cheri! I remember those room-sized computers at Scripture Press. Now I own a Macbook Air, as light as a lunchbox! Thank you for your prayers, dear friend.