Another Layer
Over the past several weeks as we have prepared for the impending sale of our house and the move to an apartment we have given, sold, and thrown many things away. It has been amazingly freeing to get rid of “stuff.” The “stuff” we have moved out of the house hasn’t been bad, worn out or broken….just extra. Why do we have four pots and three pans when we always use the same one? That example doesn’t take into account the other cooking implements we have in the cabinets. The “stuff” we have had in closets and the attic for years that we never used and really had forgotten about had to be dealt with before we moved to an apartment. I was amazed at the amount of clothes that I had in my closet that I didn’t wear and really didn’t like. Someone else could utilize these and probably needs clothes that I am hoarding or holding onto “just in case” I decide I need them. Well, purging started and continued for several weeks and honestly it felt good. Freeing is the only word I can really use to describe how it feels to “lighten” the load. Amy has called this “taking off another layer.” I think that phrase adequately describes the process we have been walking through in preparation for our move to Belgium.
I am so thankful that God has given us time to walk through this process over a period of time. I cannot imagine what it would be like to “take off the layers” all at once as some have had to do before. This past week we took off “another layer.” Our house sold and we moved into the apartment finally. God has given us a wonderful place to live. We are very thankful God answered our family’s prayer to sell our house quickly so we could transition to an apartment and learn that lifestyle again before moving to Belgium. It has been around thirteen years since we last lived in an apartment and we wanted to make that transition while we were still in a familiar culture, not while going through culture shock in another land. We said goodbye to our house of seven and one-half years and around 2000 sq. ft. and began life in a multi-family housing development and a 1300 sq. ft. apartment.
All the “layers” that we had shed over the past several months had been well worth it. I am so thankful that God has given us this opportunity. But, we have learned we still need to take off several more “layers.” We didn’t fully realize the size of our refrigerator in our former house, the size of our food pantry, the amount of cabinets we had or the lack of closets, drawers and storage in an apartment. I think our “stuff” multiplied during those years of attic and closet living in our old house.
God help us to not hold onto “stuff” and show us the “layers” that have built up over the years.
24/11/2009 at 9:47 pm Permalink
kyle, and amy,
i have such fond memories of yall.. what sweet spirits you both are. and such wonderful influence on my family during the sweet sugarland years…
i am so proud yall are taking this step in your lives. what an example it will be for your children and the people that will be influenced and led to an understanding of the SAVIOR. i have learned that GOD puts us right where HE needs us at that certain time in our lives..and that HE chooses such a time as this…i have fallen more in love with JESUS this year , even tho there is still heartache and pain, i have the desire to go back to my first love, JESUS…and i wanted to say to both you and amy that i am so very thankful for your prayers and concerns for me and my family during this time.. please know that my prayers and thoughts and concerns will be with yall as you start this new journey.have a wonderful thanksgiving and may GOD continue to bless you and yours..
sue packer
25/11/2009 at 7:21 am Permalink
Sue,
Amy and I have been praying for your family during the last year a lot. Your family means much to us and I hate what has happened. I know God has a plan for you is more than any of us can see or understand at this very moment. I hope you are doing well. I will be in Sugar Land Dec. 10-Dec. 12 maybe we connect. Talk soon I hope.
25/11/2009 at 3:21 pm Permalink
Sue,
Amy and I have been praying for your family during the last year a lot. Your family means much to us and I hate what has happened. I know God has a plan for you is more than any of us can see or understand at this very moment. I hope you are doing well. I will be in Sugar Land Dec. 10-Dec. 12 maybe we connect. Talk soon I hope.
07/01/2010 at 5:31 pm Permalink
I remember when we did the same thing about 3 1/2 years ago. While the effort was tiring, it is a freeing feeling. Glad to say that we haven't over-reacquired once we got in the field; I was afraid I'd just replace all those extra things–like pans!
07/01/2010 at 8:52 pm Permalink
Thanks for dropping by and giving encouragement. I am so thankful God has given my family this opportunity. We are trying to re-evaluate everything.