Move

When I was pregnant with our first child, it was quite the experience.  Like most honest soon-to-be parents, you wonder how you'll shape up as a parent.  In layman's terms, "Let's not screw this one up, dear."

So when the minister at the church came over to discuss parenting, baptism, etc, we were all in.  He said, "For my oldest I prayed for an adventurous spirit like (fill in the blank Bible person still can't remember)."  And I'm like, "Oh that's precious."

He left and I panicked.  "Sweetie, my prayers are simple.  Lord, please keep this meal down.  Lord, may I be able to bend over and tie my shoes."  You see, I had no deep prayers.  I had no vision for this baby other than she may love pizza and cheeseburgers, pickles and Tums.  Tums and cheese and crackers.  And gatorade.  Lots of that nutritious beverage.  Until I threw them up and can't eat that brand to this very day.

I just knew I loved her already, her kicks when her daddy talked to her, and that I was going to be on the ride of my life with him, my favorite best friend.  So far, having these two girls has been even better than I imagined.  And it gets even better...

Let's carry on…so when people named their children in this said church, there was always some deeper meaning in it.  Like I had to crack open a Latin meaning book to decipher what the story was.  I LOVED this kind of prophetic beauty, but when people asked why we named her what we did, we said, "We liked it" like no effort was involved whatsoever.  Lazy American way.  (The big girl was named in the hospital, on the fly as the lady brought the forms for us to sign.)  Let me add…we did find her name on a family tree from waaay back in the day.  Family name.

God knows I love a good giggle.  Like when I tried to tell a joke in Spanish today that wasn't even funny in English and I am still laughing.  Or when I tried to consign some clothes at a store last night and the lady said, "Umm we need dressy clothes" and sent me to a mom consignment store.  Now, I probably need to add I forgot I was in a dirty t-shirt.  With greasy hair.  And flip flops.  I'm not sure I would even consign my things...

So in January as he and I were planning and dreaming, he said, "Move."  And I asked him, "You mean off the bed?  Because this is what we do. We sit here and I try not to fall asleep.  It's our thing."  And he said back, "Move."

So I told him that was cute and all.  But I was fine where I was.  We live in a nice little street, nice neighbors, cute little bushes.  My problems are hidden, vaguely mentioned in this here blog, but enough to get by.  We are members of a growing church.  We have routine.  We sleep through the night and thankful for the roof over our heads.

Then my veins started hurting in the back of my legs.  (Someone is reading this and thinking that is an "old lady" problem.  No no, you are overlooking that it actually was a backup of superpowers in my legs needing some shaking.)  What made it better?  Running.  A lot.  Moving.

Members of our family started packing up and moving different places.

I wrote a book proposal that was considered by a publishing company about a topic dear to my heart and wide-eyed open, meeting women along the way who opened their hearts up to me.  It became this project bigger than me, stronger than something even I could muster up, and I'm waiting to move.

Then he told us to look for houses.  In three different zip codes with our agent, bless his sweet heart.  Then he told us the location.  And we got our house ready in less than a week.  (Act of God right there.)  I am about as exhausted as having a newborn and my children are not allowed to eat in the house until it sells.  (I wish I were kidding.  Reality is this:  I let breakfast slide.  Mkay?)

So this is all fine and good and here's the thing:  When God moves, it isn't always convenient.  I am homeschooling in the back of my van (down by the river…).

Some say it isn't the best time for selling.  So here's the second thing:  When God moves, don't question it.  Press on without fear.  He brought you to it, he will bring you through it.  

The third thing:  When God says move, look for ways he is confirming your steps.  Pray to see him at work.  He's constantly working, whether or not you have eyes to see.

He is moving.  The goal:  to move with him.  He can't steer a stagnant ship.  Take that first step out.  Test those waters.  Then move.