I fully expected my first blog article after our move to be one full of the joyful excitement and newness of this transition. But, wouldn’t you know it, after the boxes were unpacked and our things put away, I have been left with a heaviness on my shoulders that I’m finding difficult to shake. Some might say it is because I’m tired, or as a result of a release from all the frantic activity leading up to now. But, I’ve narrowed it down to a reluctance to start over. With every move we’ve made over the years, there has been a time of excitement and then one of calmness during the settling in process. I know it takes a while to get used to new surroundings. This time, however, the “settling in” part seems to be a bit more difficult. I guess I’m not as young as I used to be.

I have been enjoying discovering all that my new town has to offer – there are great walking trails right by our home, as well as the convenience of countless stores and attractions. Each day I have been increasing the radius around our home as I learn which roads go where! But all of a sudden, I’ve felt a bit sad. Starting over isn’t easy. I miss my friends and…well, I miss my friends! I know I will be meeting new people, but the process of doing that isn’t as easy as it used to be. I miss our church and the familiar places and faces I saw each day. I miss the sense of belonging to a community. Did I mention I miss my friends?

The “task” of settling in shouldn’t be regarded as a chore. I should think of it as a joyful adventure, taken one day at a time. But, right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed as I look ahead and see the list of things I need to do getting longer and longer. However, even as I type those words, I realize that I simply need to give all this to the Lord.

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. 
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (Psalm 55:22).

I know God will take care of me…He is taking care of me! I need not be afraid of the “work” of finding a new church, new friends and my way in this new place. He will help me as I become part of a new community! He will strengthen and encourage me. I am trusting that He will lift my burdens and give me the courage to start over. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen, for God has a plan…and through it all He is here with me!

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, 
for the Lord God, my God, is with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Releasing my burdens to Him,






16 Comments

  1. friskychileMay 16, 2013

    You are right Joan; it's never easy (especially as we get older!) However I know you will be blessed beyond your dreams because of your uplifting attitude, faith, and thankfulness. You are always so positive! :) Praying you bounce back quickly!


    Blessings sweet friend,
    Denise

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  2. Thanks, Barbie! God is already opening some doors (which I'll write about soon! lol)


    Blessings, Joan

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  3. Wow - Thanks, Denise! Like I wrote below to Barbie, God has already been opening some doors and I feel much better today! I just need to remember to lean on God and then my load will be much lighter!


    Blessings, Joan

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  4. Keeping you in prayer during this transition time. I know missing friends can be hard at times especially if you were happy where you were before. Tearing down the nest and rebuilding can be difficult. Bless you!

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  5. I couldn't relate more! It's been almost a year since we moved to the new mountain town. And, though many things have been wonderful - new church, new friends - it's still very, very hard. I also miss my friends, and the times we had together have changed a lot.


    I still wonder what God has in mind for me. I still feel adrift, neither totally *at home* up here yet, but also not at home anymore where I used to live.


    Your verses were perfect! And yes, God takes care of me. In many ways, this new move out of my comfort zone has increased my sense of His Presence, and my reliance on His strength. THAT has been worth the move!


    Best of luck - and I just know that God has big plans where He has placed you.


    GOD BLESS!

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  6. Thanks for your prayers! I know I'll snap back to my old self, soon! I just have to keep my eyes on Jesus!

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  7. I was thinking of you as I wrote my post yesterday and remembering how you shared the difficulties surrounding the transition to your new home. I love that, as you wrote, being taken out of our comfort zones increases the sense of His presence and encourages us to rely on His strength! I'm counting on that!


    Blessings, Joan

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  8. I know it must be hard on you. I can't imagine leaving behind my home, friends, and church family. Yet God leads us through. Praying for you during this time of transition.

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  9. Well I miss you! You were one of my shining lights here and when you left...well its just not as bright around here. I know this...the new friends you will meet, who get to share life with you, are blessed! And I am blessed to have you as my friend. My forever friend, even though there is distance between us. Thank you for sharing this. Made me feel loved!

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  10. Thank you, Val! You are so sweet and I am so blessed to have you for my forever friend! We are looking forward to coming back for a visit, soon!
    Love you! Joan

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  11. Yes, relying on God to lead us through is the only way! Thanks for your prayers, Joan!


    Blessings, Joan

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  12. Linking up after you at The Weekend Brew. I appreciate your honesty in this post - and it seems that as your post progressed, God was giving you some direction and insight. That so often happens when we write out our feelings, or talk with a friend. Thanks for your example of going through that process in this post. And may you experience His love and care for you as you settle into your new surroundings.

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  13. Praying God will send you a kindred spirit friend who will make you feel as if you have always lived in this new place... and a closeness of His spirit as you explore each new crook and cranny of the town, putting a sense of "home" in you that you can't yet completely imagine...

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  14. Thank you, Cherry! That is exactly what happened...when I sat down to write, I was feeling pretty low, but then as I shared and placed my heart in God's hands, my spirit brightened! I know that each new day will bring a familiarity to my new surroundings and it won't be long until I feel completely at home!


    Blessings, Joan

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  15. Since I first wrote this post, God has already been working bringing neighborly expressions of welcome from the people around us! I am excited to see what God is going to do!


    Trusting Him, Joan

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  16. Thank you for processing with us! Often the unexpected happens in release of our words as writers. I pray that peace will continue to come to you as you settle in! Blessings to you! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart

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