Not just a house, but a home. Today is my last day of life as I know it here in my white, 3 bedroom, cape-style house. But, to me it’s more than that. It’s a bittersweet change, an ending of a chapter, and a change of direction.
Here I learned how to be a neighbor: how to let go of my self-consciousness and allow myself to share my children and backyard with people that I never knew before, my neighbors. Here I learned life lessons on motherhood, about my spiritual life, and about friends and family. These walls have heard laughter, screams of loud friends, and fun. They have also heard the many other sounds a family makes: the cry of a newborn, the cry of pain, the cries of frustration and sadness.
I made meals here, brought newborn babies home here, loved my husband here. I saw this house in every hour that there is on the clock!
I entertained friends and family here. My sister and my niece lived here for a time.
Celebrated holidays.
I don’t think a day went by that I didn’t clean SOMETHING in this house!
I had private, special moments here. Reading letters from long-distance friends, reading books, praying, making choices and decisions.
It’s only been 4 years. But, we’ve made so many memories.
The house I leave behind, but home remains with me.
Hold things loosely
with an open hand
ready to let go
whenever the Lord wills
Good to be Home 
I know some of what your are saying…all of my children were born at our first home. It is fun getting to make memories and to decorate a new home as well. Take time to enjoy both.
Love Ya – By the way I took that personality type test through link I think it is on the bottom of my personality description.
Awww.. this makes me kind of sad for you, but not too sad, because I know that this new house must be in God’s will for you and He has many more memories for you to make there. I hope the packing goes well tomorrow and the rest of the week and closing go perfectly. I can’t wait to see your new house!
Wow, great post. We just bought our first home a year ago, and it’s already packed w/ memories (we brought Titus James home for the first time, and Blair has become a little lady in the past year). That’s so right on about taking “home” with you. You’re an encouragement to me. Thanks. 🙂
I can really relate to your lovely words. We moved into our first home in October last year, but our apartment is where we began our life together, started our family and had so many memoires there, it was hard leaving it! But here in our new home there is so much already tucked inside the walls and on the land, and I know that God knows how hard it is for us to leave our familiarity, so He helps us by packing our memories, experience and lessosn learned and moves them with us where ever we go.
I hope all goes well with your move!
Bittersweet I know, but memories you will always keep. I am happy for you and can’t waitto see your new house that will become a HOME.
Awwww! Bittersweet!
The last house I moved from I felt just as you did. My daughter was actually born in that home, I never cried before when I moved, but I did that time.
I’m sad, yes, but there is so much to be thankful for. I’m thankful for all the good memories and thankful for the Lord’s protection to us while we were here. And, I’m thankful for the new house He has provided for us.This was my “goodbye” blog but the next one I write will be a “hello” blog! The house is being packed as I type and I’ve been so encouraged by the man packing my kitchen! He is saved and he goes to a Baptist church w/his wife and family at a church that is about an hour from here. He’s very nice. His father in law is the Pastor of the church he goes to.Thanks to everyone who has commented to this so far, I’ve really been encouraged this morning by your words, in the midst of my busy day!
You, in your writings and pictures have captured my heart! I just spent way too much time going back and reading your blogs, looking at your pictures and I think you and I are kindred spirits!!!! If we lived close, I would most definitely want to get together and watch the kids play, while snapping all of the most wonderful pictures and drinking Starbucks with you!!!
I LOVE reading your entries. I loved your entry today too. It’s fun to move to the next place…..an adventure, but I always grieve over the home that is filled with memories as I have to leave it. We’ve been in our home for 5 years now and once this baby arrives, we will have brought 3 of our 7 newborns home to it. Such sweet memories!!!
I hope you have a blessed day…you, by the way, are a wonderful photographer and really know how to capture the moment.
Very nice, my Super Friend. I am jealous someone else is packing your kitchen; It should be me for so many reasons!
What a beautiful entry, it brought tears to my eyes.
As a woman I think God made us to especially to kind of have an attachment to our home–kind of like men get attached or focus on their occupation. A home always has a special place in our hearts. What great memories you’ve had there! And now you’ll have a bigger home to have more memories in! I’m excited for you and I’m praying for you and your family as you adjust. Love Lish
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
I can see how that would be hard to leave that house you have built so many memories into…I have fallen so in love with our place here on ransom road that I already don’t know how I am ever going to leave. I liked that last line…it is so challenging. remember…its all going to burn anyways!
I understand, it was hard to leave for us too but think of the memories you’ll create in your new home!