GOING HOME: A JOYFUL TRANSITION

Returning to hometown Buffalo to pack

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

-- 1 Corinthians 2:9

Leaving Atlanta for Florida

April 2012 has been a rewarding month both literally and spiritually. As I glimpsed at my facebook timeline I was able to visually chronicle some highlights, but knew that that which I virtually shared was only the tip of the iceberg. There had been some amazing aha moments and I praise God for the abundance of blessings that I was able to witness and receive with our loved ones. You may wonder what does that really mean? Well, I’ll share that further in detail, just know that in my spirit I am saying, "Look what the Lord has done." The happening included an all too quick visit with several wonderful friends, treasured time spent with my Aunt Shirley and cousin, Zebbie in Buffalo; traveling on the road back to Georgia with Eric and then spending extended time with my Mother and Granny resulted from a simple phone call from my brother Eric who asked, "Lin what are you doing this weekend?" He'd just received the news that we had the upcoming weekend to pack up St. Mary's Place because the closing and sale of our home would occur on the upcoming Monday. Time was of the essence.

That weekend I hopped a plane from Central Florida back to our beloved hometown Buffalo, New York to bring closure to the sale of our home, my mother’s property and our child’s home place. This moment was much more than just transferring keys and packing some boxes- it was home and a floodgate of life lessons,memories that continue to shape us. But I had to remain focus, Eric insisted.  We were on a mission to pack and purge, so we told ourselves. This mission included and insured that the new tenants would be benefactors of  Mom’s home furnishings and appliances.God's outstretched hands and blessings were at it again. We were instructed to not overlook returning with our Mother's books, family keepsakes and retrieving important paperwork because the time had finally come to sell. The items we decided to leave the new owners offered to send to her country abroad. "Others can use them." Her statement was was an instant relief!

Basement-packing and purging!

Having an awesome visit with Aunt Shirley and Zebby!

My heart wasn't so heavy then. As I began to sift through articles of clothing and rediscover with Eric mountains of papers, elementary school report cards (Mom's included), scrap books, toys, loved one's obituaries, funeral bulletins, greeting cards, significant artifacts and wonderful family photos I began reminiscing about so many things and  immediately knew the most import treasures were our relationships we built and the significance of these heart conncections. It then wasn't such an emotional tussle to part with things, discard and/or share them. But the real jewel was never having to give up family, friends-our wonderful loved ones, no matter the distance and time lasp between us!

Beloved Friends...

They are fondly held in my heart. I'll not forget to anticipate the sweet reunions that we can look forward to. And knowing us we'll laugh and giggle out loud as we acknowledge the sustaining love and comfort of God that continually anchors us! It will be a thanksgiving- a celebratory moment to marvel at the victories won that got us from this time to that.

So now here I am friends back in Florida sitting at my kitchen table, writing, smiling, reflecting-assured and prayerful that Mama (and our family) are feeling better about this transition. In my spirit we are tremendously greatful to have evidenced God's mercies,witness His blessings and to be a blessing to others as we embark upon a new journey, a new timetable. It's indeed another new beginning and transition that reunited and reconnected us with all that really matters in the name of love.

Thanks be to God it's your time to move friends!

Truly missing them all! 

blessing the boats    

by Lucille Clifton 

(at St. Mary's)

may the tide

that is entering even now

the lip of our understanding

carry you out

beyond the face of fear

may you kiss

the wind then turn from it

certain that it will

love your back    may you

open your eyes to water

water waving forever

and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

Peace and Blessings,
Linda Mose Meadows:
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/ and the author of:
The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises