Looking Behind or Looking Up?

   Our big moving day is getting closer and I feel like I’m standing on the railroad tracks watching the headlights of an approaching train! But, with the Lord’s help, things will get packed, the details will all work out and good-byes will be said. Hopefully by the beginning of the new month, we four (dogs included) will be relocated in Beverly Hills—Beverly Hills, Michigan that is! Not quite as prestigious as the community of the same name near Los Angeles!

   We will both miss our home of almost 30 years in Springville. Living in the country has shaped and molded us into different people.  The slower, more relaxed pace has become a way of life which will be missed when we move to the big city. Little things have endeared our hearts to this place, like neighbors waving as we drive by and kids knocking on the front door to ask if they can fish in our pond.

   The absence of man-made noise has been wonderful too. Most of the time the only sounds to be heard are bird calls, the croaking of frogs and occasionally after a downpour of rain, the nearby river. When our Michigan realtor was taking us through some houses in the suburbs of Detroit recently, I made a comment about hearing the steady roar of cars. She replied, “Well, if people don’t want to hear the cars, they just install a water feature!” How about the Tule River?

   And then there is the beauty of the area. To the east of our house, Black Mountain looms up behind the foothills which are now bright green from the recent rains. The peaks of the Sierras can be seen far off in the distance—reminders of numerous memorable backpacking trips and hikes in the mountains.

   Al’s hobby and joy has been to keep our place looking like a park, planting many varieties of drought-tolerant trees and shrubs over the years. Their colors are a source of great beauty as they change with the seasons from the predominately pinks and purples of spring to the yellows, reds and oranges of fall. The dogs are going to miss the yard and pond as well. They don’t know it yet, but they’ll be making a major life-style change from living outdoors to being in the house most of the time. Surprise!

   Then, of course there are the people—such a friendly community, with wonderful neighbors who look out for each other. It’s going to be very hard to say good-bye. In fact, my computer keyboard is starting to get wet, just thinking about it.

   So, now I have to stop and change my focus, from looking back and feeling blue, to looking upward. All of these things have been blessings given by God for us to enjoy—and we have! It’s time to thank Him for each blessing and praise Him for His great outpouring of love into our lives.

   Dear Father, Please help me, help us all to keep our eyes focused on you…not on the past or the present or the future, not on possessions, money or anything else…just on you! Thank you for all of the blessings you have bestowed upon us and for your unfailing love.  Forgive us when those blessings become more important than our relationship with you! May we always keep the right priorities, putting you first, others second and ourselves last, giving all glory, praise and honor to you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”John 1:16 NIV