It's Time To Go

Yesterday we signed for the sale of our home.  Two days previously we had a verbal agreement to sell, and then the buyer backed out.  A day later a young couple came to see the house, and by that evening had decided to buy.  Two buyers in two days - is that a miracle, or what?  This couple had been looking for a home for over a year, and they had visited at least 50 houses.  They decided to take this week off, and come what may to buy a home.  They knew what they wanted, and they knew what their budget is.  When they came to see the house on Tuesday, it was in a terrible mess - boxes everywhere, trash on the floor, visitors in and out the whole time they were here.  But yesterday Sophie, the wife, told Daphne that as she entered our home she thought "This is the one".  They have two young children, and this house is just perfect for them.  They have already started dreaming about all the changes they want to make, and the kids are excited about the tree-house in the backyard... and all we can say is "God is so good".  

Today the movers are here, and they are loading up our belongings and within an hour or two our house will be empty.  Daphne and I were sitting out on the back porch earlier this morning, just reminescing about all the wonderful memories we have made in this home:  innumerable house guests who have warmed our hearts and enriched our lives; the home group from our local church; counseling with troubles couples; hundreds of family movie nights with dear friends whom we will deeply, deeply miss; evenings sitting in front of the fireplace late at night; many times of deep sorrow and confusion, on our knees next to the sofa crying out to the Lord.

  

Oh Lord, we are so rich!  These relationships and memories are priceless, and my heart is overwhelmed with both gratitude and sorrow as I sit here right now.  Oh how heart-wrenching it is to leave a place where we have given so much of ourselves... and yet we know it is time to go.  Oh Jesus, please help us down this mountain.  It is so painful, we cannot possibly make it without your comfort and peace.

    I would have despaired unless I had believed that 

    I would see the goodness of the LORD
    In the bland of the living. Wait for the LORD;
    Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
    Yes, wait for the LORD.