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Getting Comfortable

I was over eight months pregnant when we were uprooted from Southern California to Las Vegas Nevada in 1987. I remember thinking the four plus hour drive was so far away from family. I had to find a new doctor, hospital and hopefully friends. Our house wasn't ready so we stayed in a furnished apartment way too close to the Vegas strip. It was temporary so we saw it as an adventure. In fact, we were told that this would just be a stepping stone in  Jim's career and that we wouldn't be there long - "Don't get too comfortable". So, we held off on putting in a pool and any other upgrades to our home. We were there about four years. 

 It is still one of my favorite stories to share. We were going back to Southern California. The house was on the market, we got a home in Tustin with a lease option to buy. We painted the inside. The truck arrived with all of our stuff. I enrolled the kids in a preschool not too far from where I would be working. Everything was unpacked with the exception of the garage. Then Jim called me and said, you aren't going to believe this- I got promoted today. Back to Vegas. It had only been 10 days from when the truck arrived. He was right, I couldn't believe it. The same crew showed up to repack, reload and return us right back to our empty house in Las Vegas. We joked how the movers would at least know where to put things. It's actually a very fun memory. I probably didn't enjoy it at the time but it's sure fun to tell people. We were in Vegas  another two years before we moved across country for the first time. And we never did put in that pool or do any upgrades because we were told not to get too comfortable. 

After that we decided that no matter were we lived and or how long we would be there, we would go ahead and get comfortable. We would unpack, do whatever upgrades we wanted to fit our lifestyle as well as the kids. We didn't want to live on the edge with one foot in and one foot out wondering when we would be leaving again. That does seem to be the million dollar question whenever I tell people how many times we have moved, "So  how long will you be staying here? " To which I now reply, "Until God moves us again. He is in control." 

My husband used to tease me that whenever we stay at a hotel I unpack my suitcase and use the drawers and closet. I even make the bed in the morning. He would say "housekeep will do that." And I would  say "I know but I don't mind", and I really don't. It's funny, I feel like I can't leave with the bed unmade. I'm that way at home so I just take that little quirk with me wherever I go. I unpack and make myself at home. 

There have been times when I technically "left my bags packed" emotionally. I feared putting roots down because I knew when I left it would be painful and I thought if I am mentally prepared and don't open myself up for new friendships or get too comfortable, it won't hurt to say goodbye. It was exhausting and more painful in other ways. 

I don't ever want to get so comfortable that I'm not willing or open for what God has in store  ahead but I also don't want to live with one foot out the door that I miss what's right in my home town. It's not about putting in pools and upgrades but more about being at home where I am. Putting roots down gives me stability and allows me to grow. However long that is and even if only for a week while on vacation. 

This past year has been amazing. I have put roots down quicker than in previous moves and God is blessing me with amazing friendships and places to see along this journey. I will go ahead and continue to make the bed in the hotel. I'll unpack my suitcase for an overnights stay. I will continue to make myself at home where I am at the moment.  I will put roots down and make new friends along the way and risk getting comfortable while not too comfortable in order for God to continue to take us  wherever He sees fit. 

-Pressing On 

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”
Matthew 9:9 NIV


“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 NIV

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