I’m one of the few people in the world that loves to move. I wouldn’t be so foolish to say that it’s an easy task, but an overall enjoyable one for me. There’s just something about exploring a brand new city – making new friends, trying new restaurants, learning the ways of the locals, etc. I get excited just thinking about it! I realize I’m probably in the minority here, and moving is a very real trial for most people. Even for someone who loves change like I do, moving doesn’t come without heartache.
Lisa recently announced that they will be moving to Louisville next week! I couldn’t be more excited to have one of my very best friends in the same city again! Just think….we can finally blog together sitting across the table at a coffee shop. Not that I haven’t loved all the late night phone sessions where Lisa is teaching me how to get the computer to do what I want it to do. But there’s just something about that face to face communion with a deep friend.
Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. -2 John 12
There is value in a handwritten letter, in talking on the phone, even in communicating via social media. But it is a far greater thing when we are gifted with the chance to pursue face to face communication with a brother or sister in Christ. That’s why I’m excited to once again live life beside Lisa, for however long it lasts.
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. -1 Thessalonians 2:8
So Lisa, in light of your upcoming move I wanted to offer a few words of encouragement. From someone who was in your shoes just a year ago…
Don’t drag your feet in joining a local church. Living in a seminary city, there are many solid churches nearby. Some people will tell you to try as many as you can to be absolutely sure you have the right fit before joining. I think the quicker you get involved with a bible-believing/teaching church the better. Especially if you’re only here for a few short years while in seminary. Matt & I hit the ground running with our jobs when we moved here. Several months in, we had tried a handful of churches that were recommended to us and could have seen ourselves at any number of them. But we were just aching for that deep communion with fellow saints. We felt a hole in our lives and that’s what was missing. All relationships were in the “Hi, where are you from? What do you do?” stage while we were just visiting churches. We longed for the “How can I serve you and you serve me? How can we pray for each other?” phase that comes with covenanting together in church membership.
I do think it’s very important to make sure you find a solid church, but you can do some research on that before moving. Research statements of faith if they’re available online, find a few churches you want to check out and pray fervently before moving here that God would direct you to the one He has planned for your family. Here’s a great article by Mark Dever on the marks of a healthy church.
It’s normal to be sad over the loss of friends when you move, but you’re are called to be content in all circumstances. You need to hold those feelings with open hands and trust God with where He leads you. A passage we memorized together…
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:11-13
God tends to work like that through history, calling people out from their long-establishe
Never hesitate to establish roots where you are! Even if you are almost positive that you won’t be here long, be here. For our plans are not our own and we never know what the future holds. Live each day to the fullest by seeking to know God and make Him known! Right here. Right now.
I’ve moved cities/states several times now since turning 18, and my most recent move was by far the easiest transition. Why? Because I had Matt by my side.
It was our first move as a married couple. Just 8 months after saying our vows, we packed up everything and moved 620 miles away from all we knew as ‘home’ together. And let me tell you, it strengthened our bond more than we ever thought it could! It felt like we were on a grand adventure together, knowing nothing but each other. We wouldn’t have changed a thing.
So, I’ll leave you with your own words for my final encouragement…
Revel in the knowledge that you get to live with your best friend.
Praying for you both as you transition into this new stage! And waiting with willing hands to help unpack many boxes…
