Today my sister and her family begin a new chapter in their lives as they begin the move from Montgomery to Fairfax, VA. Having lived in Montgomery most of their lives (and all of their married lives), my sister and brother-in-law are excited about moving to a new place with lots to do and see, a great public school system for my soon-to-be-a-kindergartner niece, and a fantastic job awaiting my brother-in-law.
Of course, while I'm excited for them, I'm very sad at their leaving Montgomery. It's weird to think of them living not fifteen minutes away but thousands of miles away. And it's sad to not be able to see my nieces grow up. Since Montgomery is the only home either of them have ever known thus far, I suppose I'm rather spoiled to getting to see the girls pretty often.
Still, I'm reminded that this separation from my family is only temporary. Even if we never end up living in the same city again, it's still a temporary separation, because this is just our temporary home. All too often I let myself get fooled into thinking that this earth is my true home, but it's not--as the song says, "I'm just a-passin' through."
Separation from our loved ones, whether through moving, or death, or some other means, is painful. But for those of us who are children of God, we can have peace in knowing that one day there will be no more separation. That doesn't mean that I won't miss my sister and her family like crazy, and I eagerly look forward to being able to visit them or them coming for a visit down here, but it does reassure me that separation for us is not final. This life on Earth is only a warm-up for the life to come.
Please keep my sister and her family in your prayers that they would:
-make a smooth and safe move to VA
-find a church home
-make friends
-sell their house in Montgomery
I'd also appreciate prayers for me and my parents as we adjust to their moving as well. Thanks!
2 comments:
OH MY ! I have to tell you that I know what you are going through. I had a similiar experience when my oldest daughter and her precious family moved away from here. It's been awhile now but I look back on all the sobbing, tearful episodes we shared while this was all going on and realize what a GOD thing/blessing it really was. Sometime, I will have to tell you all about it but you can be sure that although your sister and her family is going to be a little farther away your relationship will NOT change but blossom. Thank God for email, blogs, free cell phone minutes! And sisters. And family. I'll be thinking of you all!
I thought I wouldn't make it when my Rusty moved with his family back to Florence. (...and that was just an hour and a half drive)
You'll always be special to them.
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