My husband and I left Washington State and moved to Arizona 2 years ago. While our move was a good decision, Washington will always feel like home. It is where I grew up and where we raised our family. Recently one morning, I was exchanging several text messages with friends from home. I am so grateful for staying in touch with my many friends and family members but sometimes it makes me miss them even more.

I have realized my life there was different and those years flew by so fast. I’m sure everyone “of age” has this thought but I wish I had savored more of the every day moments. The routine events, conversations with my sons, laughs with my friends; all of these are so precious. Being in touch with far away friends caused me to think about my life then and now. Have I changed much? If so, in what way? For the better or worse? It made me wonder what season of growth I am in now.

When I think about change, an image of an old building fills my mind. Chipped paint, splintered wood, cracked plaster, scratches and dents in the drywall. I see it and wonder, “Can this building be renewed?” Yes it can with repairs and new rooms added on. I realized that’s how I should think of my life; as an worn building being renewed. 

It has a strong foundation because I am still standing and the original rooms are full of great memories and treasures. But a new addition is being added. This new wing is my life being retired in Arizona. It is completely different but still worthwhile. The new rooms look different. They take the shape of new friends and new activities. Even I look different— more gray hair and wrinkles! But the foundation is just as strong as the original. The foundation is my faith in God. In fact, I would say it is stronger now than it was years ago. 

What season am I in? Construction season! How should I proceed? With forward ambition! It’s ok for me to look at the original building as long as I don’t stand in the rooms too long. I need to keep working on the new addition and build it just as beautiful as the original.

Are you under construction?

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

“What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord.”  Acts 7:49 (NIV)

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV)