Movin’ On Up
Now the Lord said[a] to Abram, “Go from your country[b] and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. Genesis 12:1 ESV
My sweet wife and I had a long talk this week. The subject was one that was entirely new to us when we first entertained it a few years ago. Now it is one that recurs. Our home is not huge, but we are daily more aware that it has two stories. Our yard is not so large that it might require a John Deere reaper to harvest the grass (a little less than a half acre), but it does seem to have expanded with the passing seasons. The house appears to have grown also. It feels now that a few steps have been added between the first and second floor. When I am in assessment mode, I often conclude that we might have gotten as much use out of both the dining and living rooms had we just settled for pictures of both.
I am closer to ninety now than eighty. The thought of moving exhausts me. If I were pressed for a plan, I might confess that the only alternative that sounds really attractive to my ear and my Adamic nature is arson. A little thoroughness there might address both the structure and the “brown” furniture issue at the same time. It adds to my pain to know that we have spent so much money and time collecting furnishings. I am told by other moving seniors that our precious inventory of Pennsylvania House and Ethan Allen cannot even be GIVEN away. Yep, arson is the solution! They just bring you a check. No movers. No prospective buyers thumping through the house.
It will please you to know that I am kidding about burning the place down. Besides Jacquelynne has rejected the idea – with some heat (small pun intended). Our need for action remains, however. We are two healthy old people, but we know that things cannot remain as they are. As Bob Dylan has observed in song “The times they are a changin”. We must, willingly or not, move on.
How good is our Father! He has provided a place for us. He has provided the strength and means for transport. He has conquered all the fears that beset us. In His own time and according to His perfect plan He will move us. The fatigue and uncertainties of this place will not follow us. Our brothers and sisters in the faith will meet us there or, in time, join us. Our Savior will welcome us. Per our verse, He will show us around.
George
Elder Emeritus
