"Home"

As I sit here on my couch enjoying the sounds of my children laughing and playing I'm quickly reminded of how I felt a year ago at this time. We were in the process of moving... Ahh yes, that dreaded word MOVE! It still scares me to think about it! From packing boxes, to cleaning out a house that you've lived in and loved, to bubble wrapping your dishes that you've ate wonderful meals on together, not to mention cleaning an entire house that you've lived in with five kids! It was a lot... a whole lot of stuff but it was stuff we loved and cared for in a place where memories were made and that we were having to leave. There have been a lot of things happen and many things have changed for our family over the past year. We've lived in a 2 bedroom 1 bath house for 7 months. We've bought a 4 bedroom 3 bath house! Did I really just say that?!? Yes, I did! But the one thing I've come to realize is it don't matter what '"house" you live in. Those that are with you is what makes a house a home. I struggled with moving and leaving what was so familiar to me but it caused me to stop and think about what really matters. I not only had to clean out my house. I had to declutter my heart, my mind and really focus on what matters. My family, my friends and most importantly God. Even though I was leaving behind dear friends that I loved and cared for deeply, it did not mean they were not my friends anymore. It meant I would love and care for them at a distance and in a new way. My family and I were together and that taught me that it does not matter where the 7 of us live or where the location of the 'house' is or whether its 1,000 square ft of house or 2,100 square ft. They are what makes a "house" a "home" not the dishes or decorations or furniture. Them and them alone. Serving God is not about a particular place but a way of life! God has given me a wonderful home and He's the one who will keep it. My husband, children, and friends are all given by Him. This past year He has added and given me more than I could have ever asked for (more friends and grew my faith). To think I didn't want to do anything He was asking last year saddens me but at the same time is a good reminder that He is in control and that He always knows best! He's good and even though throughout my life there will be hard times and times we question Him, I pray that me and the ones that make up our HOME will always remember what matters! I pray we ALWAYS remember that each other is what makes our home.

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