When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
Moving is never easy, and moving to Florida two years ago was extra hard. Apart from the usual stress, it all happened so quickly, leaving little time to process, pack, and plan. I found and made an offer on a house over a weekend, uncertain I was making the best choice. My carefully researched school selection for the two boys fell apart. By the time I got in the car to drive south, my hopeful anticipation had morphed into weary worry. My husband stayed behind to work.
Adding exhaustion to anxiety when we arrived, I discovered the long-term hotel room I’d reserved was gross, so I scrambled to find a rental. Thankfully, I did, but we had to wait to check in. I took my boys and Bichon rescue Katie to a dog beach, fighting the flood of tears and angst I feared would level me. I walked along the beach while Katie and boys played in the shallow water. I started to question God. Why did we face all these challenges? Was it an omen? Had we made a terrible mistake? Please, comfort me, Lord.
My painful pondering was interrupted by my son Pierce, “Mommy, Mommy, look what I found!” In his hand was a very beautiful, perfectly formed, large whelk seashell, something you’d buy in a store. I love seashells and felt a sudden sense of joyous relief and deep peace that God was answering my heart’s prayer with this beautiful shell.
The Airbnb was charming, cheap, and convenient. The house we bought turned out to be perfect. The boys’ new schools were great. Moving to Florida has proven to be one of the best decisions ever. The whelk sits on my dresser, a reminder that God can be trusted.
Faith Step: If you’re in the midst of an overwhelming challenge? Look expectantly for creative answers from Jesus.
