Want to know what one of my biggest pet peeves is?
It's when people put up Facebook status that are vague but dramatic, such as:
"I can't believe that just happened."
"My life will never be the same."
"In desperate need of prayer."
You can't believe what just happened?! Why won't your life ever be the same?! Why are you in desperate need of prayer?!
I almost can't stand Facebook for that very reason. But that's not my point.
All that to say, if we've got stuff going on in our lives, we should either share it with those who we love and trust, or not share it. You, my dear readers, I consider to be my close friends. And while that may seem weird, seeing as I wouldn't know if I saw you on the street, I still consider my readers to be a dear part of my life and I thank you for sharing in day-to-day life on the homestead.
All THAT to say, I've got something on my heart. And I'm not going to "What are we going to do?" Facebook status this either. I'm gunna tell you like it is, or as the Pioneer Woman would say, I'm going to keep it real, baby.
Alright, the "baby" part I added.
This last week, we were taken by surprise when Stuart received a phone call from a Classical Christian school in Fairhope, Alabama. He had interviewed with them just two days prior, and they were calling to offer him a full time teaching position for the 6th grade.
Are you kidding me.
I mean, sure, we had flirted with the idea that in order to secure a teaching position we may have to move. But that's different than actually having to consider it.
In fact, I was so overwhelmed, I didn't even post on Friday! Instead, I sat in my LazyBoy, nibbled on cheese, and pondered the purpose of work. It got ugly.
This next week, we should hear back on a position that we applied for locally - it is a wonderful Classical Christian School Stuart would love to be a part of.
But what if.
What if there isn't a local position open?
What if moving to Alabama is our best option for security?
What if I have to leave my family and my home?
What about my niece and nephews? And future nieces and nephews?
What if I have to actually live out confidence in the Lord's plan that I speak of so easily?
It's less scary for Stuart, in that he knows what it's like to live away from his family (we live in Washington, they all live down South). But the furthest I've ever lived away was during college - and that was still in-state. This town is my home - I know it's seasons, it's secrets, and it's smells. It's wonderful.
As we've prepared for this inevitable difficult time in our lives, our constant prayer has been that the Lord would lead us where He sees fit. You see, the Lord doesn't always call us to be comfortable - He does, however, always call us to be faithful.
And if the Lord has prepared a wonderful place for Stuart to be used as a tool to train His children, who are we to say no?
Of course, there is still the possibility that the Lord chooses to use Stuart here.
I suppose we shall know soon enough.
Until then, I'll sit here, sip my kombucha and eat my mug full of egg-roll filling (don't ask).
Dear readers, my family greatly covets your prayers during this time. I know each of us has faced difficulty and uncertainty in our lives - we can find great comfort in the fact that the Lord works good in the lives of those whom He loves.
My prayer is that the Lord would open and close doors according to His purpose for our lives.
And that we would receive a peace, that surpasses all understanding, as we live out that purpose.
Prayers for you and your family. Prayers that you may find peace with the plan that the Lord has for you.
ReplyDeleteTake heart. A move is not as dreadful as you might be picturing it. It is hard but it is also wonderful. If you try to see the wonderful, the new smells, tastes, and seasons, you'll find courage. I will pray the Lord fills your heart with the uncomprehensible peace that only comes from Him. Thank you for opening your heart and considering us your friends! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you... I can tell you from my own personal experience (12 years' worth) that Classical Christian school 6th graders are some of the most wonderful kids on the planet and teaching them is very rewarding! And that cross-country moves are not easy but that they build character and give you a broad range of life experience that you would never have had otherwise. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteShaye, I'm going to say the opposite as the others. I will pray that you get to stay near your family, in the hometown that you love. I actually had tears in my eyes reading this. I am selling my "dreamhouse" so I could move back to my hometown. Nothing in life is more important to me than the town and people that make up my life. You're stong, and you'll be fine wherever God leads you, I'm praying that he needs you guys right where you are:)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Georgia :) Brynn (sister)
DeleteI know what you mean about moving away from family....I pray that your prayers will be answered to his will and that you find comfort in those answered prayers....If you move to Alabama then we will have to have a cheese making day to welcome you to the south LOL:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Homesteading from TN Holly
As strangers and aliens we are pilgrims in this life. The pilgrim life is seldom easy, and we do not always know where we are going or why we've been called there, but we do know the One who calls us. Blessings as you find more comfort in your eternal dwellings than in your earthly ones. I've been there; it's not easy, but God is good.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you and your family! I also pray for peace for you. God bless you and your family. :)
ReplyDeleteShaye, there's nothing more I can add to your wonderful post, except that I will pray expectantly with you!
ReplyDeletePraying with you. MOving is scary, but it is also a time of excitement, forging a new path for your family!
ReplyDeleteIf you do move, it will be for God's glory. Even if you are to go to Alabama for a year or two, and then move back to where you currently are, God's purposes will still be manifested. God is a pretty amazing author at taking what we the reader perceive to be a crazy idea and can't see any conclusion and making a beautiful, exciting, and fulfilling journey out of each of our stories. Many blessings to you as you cleave to your hubby and bow yourself to His will above. Thank you for sharing and I will be praying for your beautiful little family.
ReplyDeleteI pray that God's will for your family will be clear and that you will have peace with whatever plan He reveals for your lives! It is not easy to lay aside your own desires and trust that God's will is best--but the results are always amazing. He will not let you down and whether it be here in Washington or down in Alabama, run after what He has for you with all your heart and watch the blessings flow!
ReplyDeleteI really, really enjoy your blog and I want you to know that it will be an honor to pray for the choices your family has to make. Pray that you will stay encouraged!!!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to what you're feeling. For the first 25 years of my life I hadn't live further than 1 hour from the family farm and the tiny town in South Carolina I grew up in. And then... we moved.
ReplyDeleteto China. Yep, about as far away as you can possibly get from that small Southern town. I can't say it has always been easy, but it definitely has been a wonderful, fantastic, adventure. I'm so happy God gave us this season to grow and learn. I am stronger, my marriage is SO much stronger, and I look forward to the future God has in store.
This season (and that's the best way to look at it, as a season) will not last forever, but I'll be forever changed and I CHOOSE to enjoy it daily. (If you're interested, you can read more about our experience at countryfriedeggroll.com)
Stay or Go, just remember God has a perfect plan and it's always so much better than our own.
Shaye, Fairhope, Alabama is one of the quaintest cities in Alabama! It is beautiful, close to those sugar white beaches at Gulf Shores, the food is phenomenal, I could go on! But I am praying for God's perfect will for your husband's job. Blessings from Bama!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about talking about trusting God and then actually having to live out that trust. It is very difficult! Keep on trusting and walking and praying! God loves our obedience to and trust in Him. Praying with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you, that God would work out His perfect will for you and your family. As long as you are in Christ, you are always "home", no matter where you live geographically. And however He directs you, close or far, it will be GOOD!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that I am praying for you all as you wait on HIm and His purposes and plan. It must be scary and exciting to think of all He has in store for you, wherever you end up.
ReplyDelete