Are you willing to move?

Are you willing to move?

Are you willing to move? This phrase rang in my soul last summer. The first time it happened,  I was sitting in my car at a red light after dropping off my daughter to spend the day with her Grandma. Move? Heck no. I’m not a mover. My whole family lives within five miles of my current home. I’ve got a sweet thing going with family babysitters, my husband’s steady job, and amazing friends. I don’t want to move.

And yet the question remained in my heart. I was serving on a committee at my church that was leading the way to find a new lead pastor to replace the one who had just retired. I knew this decision would affect me, my family, and future generations to come. I was listening intently for God’s voice and, deep down, I knew what the right decision should be. But despite the good I knew was coming, why was God asking me to consider moving across town? To another state? Another COUNTRY?  There was no way I’d consider moving unless God spelled it out for me. Change is hard for me. I don’t want to move!

But God knew. A year later, I’ve still been pondering that phrase: Are you willing to move? I’ve come to realize that when God asks you a question, it doesn’t always have the meaning you think it does. This year, the word “move” has been significant. My parents are selling my childhood home, the only home I’ve known them to live in for 32 years. So many mixed emotions are in my heart despite the fact that they aren’t going far from where they were. It will be time to let go of the “old” and begin making memories in their new house. It’s been a time to throw away things they don’t want to take with them to their new place, while determining what is worthwhile and treasured.

We’re moving into a new season, as well. In addition to my parents’ new home, we’re adding a few new family members. My brother is getting married (I gain a sister!), and my husband and I are expecting a little addition to our own home this December. Nothing will be as it was; we’re moving to new places in our minds and hearts while we adjust in this new season and prepare for all it will bring. It’s not always comfortable (hello, morning sickness!), but we’re trusting God to guide us all during these changes.

And then the question suddenly rephrased itself in my mind. Am I willing to move to the places God wants to take me? What are the things I need to let go of? What are the things most precious to me that are still worth pursuing? Am I willing to let my heart feel all the things associated with change? Am I really willing to move? I clearly see the parallels in our church. He is guiding us through new leadership and a new vision. Moving from the old ways of doing things to new ideas, relationships, and challenges to mold us into who God wants us to be.

It’s only half over, but it’s been a whirlwind of a year already. No matter the changes going on in your own life, it’s important to recognize that changes can bring blessings we may never have realized on our own. Proverbs 16:9 explains, “we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT) Rather than resist change every step of the way, I want to move where God moves me. Where is God moving you this year? Are you willing to go?