The New Can Be Fun!

Many people fear the unknown. Or more specifically; what they will encounter on their way to the unknown. I have discovered and decided as recent events of my life unfold, (while the Air Force brings us surprises along the way), that I am certainly NOT defining myself as one who is easily squeamish toward these new things. I am a welcomer! I am definitely a planner, no doubt. I love being organized, compartmentalizing the tasks before me, and knowing at least what the potential outcome could be. However, I know now that God uses these traits of mine to create a better experience for my husband and I (and Honey, our dog). I used to just think I would never learn to "let go, and lot God."  But I don't think I ever fully understood that phrase. It doesn't mean you simply stop being who you are, and what you like to do. Instead, you allow God to take your quirks/talents; whatever the case may be, and turn them into tools He can use. For me, it has enabled me to distinguish when I'm being too controlling over a situation and when The Lord is just allowing me to express myself. It can be all to easy for me to organize some sort of timeline of events for an upcoming trip and forget that God has plans of His own for us. 

When we moved from Florida to South Dakota, things definitely did no pan out the way we expected. Basically, we arrived with the clothes we owned (thank God we brought a fair amount of warm clothes) and had to wait for the rest of our belongings for another 2 weeks. But this is my point, when you have to do without you simply learn to appreciate what you have. Like a can opener or a shower curtain. I was quickly reminded in those seemingly long weeks (as I often am) that the modern day luxuries of this life are not the reason for living. People literally used to make their own kitchen utensils and dishware, they'd have to create every quilt which kept them warm...if you wanted a new feather pillow for you beauty rest; well honey, you better go out back and pluck that chicken of its feathers. And while your at it, you might as well chop off its head and make a nice soup because it need not go to waste! And isn't this the lesson we are constantly reminded of while we live on this earth? Preservation. Death will always lead us to appreciate the living, memories will encourage us not to forget...These surprises that are not in our plans often become the greatest memories God allows us to have.

So, while I enjoy shopping for decor to furnish a home just as much as the next person does, I must remind myself of the fact; and it is a fact, that these things are NOT necessities. Rather, it's more that the next picture frame I buy to house that captured moment at the beach is like a little gift from God. I believe he wants those happy moments preserved in some fashion because after all, He gave them to us. However, I do feel the need to clarify that I do not use this reasoning to justify a shop-therapy session at the nearest Target or wherever, just sayin. 

Speaking of preserving memories, my husband and I decided to invest in a scrapbook to keep all of his letters and cards from Basic Training. It was pretty cool how into it he was. Well, let me define his involvement in this scrapbook: He picked out the scrapbook. Which works for me because lets be honest, when my creative juices start flowing he's just in the way. And he's okay with that so it's all good, he'd rather play a video game anyway. And we're happy with the way it turned out. I think we'll enjoy flipping through it over the years to come. I find myself getting excited about the future every time I think about it. Sometimes it makes me a tad nervous to think about where we might be living 3 years from now. But I have a peace about what God has in the works and I'm often eager to get to it. Maybe that's what it means to have a hunger for The Lord. He certainly knows how to keep me on my toes anyway.

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