Contentment

It’s been a year since we left our spacious home on ½ acre and moved into a  much smaller house with a teeny yard in a gated community 90 miles from our former life. Although the choice was ours, and definitely the right one, there have been moments of doubt and distress. Tears, a few sleepless nights, and lots of driving around our town; partly to get acquainted, but also to get away from our new reality, have taken up much of each day. The joy of being close to at least one of our children and family has made the move worthwhile, but still tough.

            Then some dear friends began to change my outlook on the move and our new surroundings. They are a couple dedicated to an association which sends people as volunteer teachers of the Bible to children. They recently moved to a large city on the east coast, also leaving their lovely home AND their children, and grandchildren.  Their new home is a 120-year-old house which sounds fairly lovely, but they only get one room, and must share a bath with two other people. This accommodation is on the third floor, accessible only by the long, creaky and wobbly staircase.  When I talked to my friend the other day, she was, as always,  upbeat, thankful, and an example to me. Her voice only quavered when she talked about doing laundry in the dark basement, a spidery, dirt-floored area.

            I was contemplating sending her a flashlight and a can of Raid, when I could almost hear her voice, “God is good all the time; All the time, God is good.” Can’t really send liquids anyway, so I’ll send money and prayers to help them along. Meanwhile, I have learned a valuable lesson in being content!