Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Something Green Growing


It was a bad night. I tossed and turned with the achies. Lance is recovering from a bad case of bronchitis, so he and I been home for over ten days. Kevin was visiting his sister and our friends up north. I thought the weekend would be quite long, but to my surprise it wasn't. Laying in bed this morning, feeling the cool air blowing through the door and window, listening to quiet chirping of the birds waking up and the soft wind blowing through the trees, I realized just how blessed I am.

If you have been a reader of mine for any length of time, you will remember my lamenting over the last year of being moved back to the north. We lived in the south for almost five years. I grew to love the south, the warmth of the climate, the warmth of the people, my family and the proximity of the ocean and mountains. I hated moving back. Most of family no longer live here, and it's funny how friendships change even if you don't want them to.

But, over the past few weeks, I began to treasure once again, the blessing of the beautiful Michigan late summer season. The warm days and cool evenings. The gorgeous dark velvet green lawns and lovely late blooming flowers. The drunk bees buzzing and abundance of fruits and veggies being harvested. The windows are open and the smell is something I just can't describe. So fresh. The late summer rain is a wonderful sound. Even all the dogs barking at the crazy squirrels running around trying to hide the black walnuts anywhere they can, is a noise I enjoy. It was a wonderful weekend.

I am learning to grow where I am planted. I am even looking forward to changing leaves, apples cider and donuts and walks wearing a sweatshirt. I am also looking forward to the new friends I will be making with the new small group and book club I am attending. I love how much my in-laws have come to mean to me.

I thank God for being my source, my family, my best friend. For helping me adjust to the change in my life. It took a long time, because I don't adapt to well to change, but His patience and kindness is good.

I am in a good place, geographically, emotionally and spiritually. I can see a little green sprout growing out of what I once thought was dead.

8 comments:

Donna's Book Nook said...

To live life with contentment is a wonderful thing. I'm so glad you are/have adjusted to the change in location, climate, friends, etc.

I had to make some adjustments when I re-married and moved to my husband's house in the country. The biggest adjustment was the SMALL house. But I have become content with what I have, because, indeed, I have so much to be thankful for! God is good! Donna

Rebecca said...

I've been in our current location for about the same time as you in yours.....so I can identify with some of your adjustments. I rejoice with you in the "inner acceptance" that has come to you recently. I know you are going to appreciate the friendships in the book club and small group and will find these opportunities to GIVE as well as to RECEIVE. How the achies and bronchitis are soon things of the past for you and Lance.

Brenda said...

Good for you for accepting your new situation. These things go in cycles so you may still have some of those strong longings for your other home. Hang on to this post and read it again in January or February. You will be fine. God is gracious.

Dee said...

Hope you are feeling better...Michigan is a big adjustment for those transplanted from the South, cool to cold days and lack of sun but it does hold beauty of its own that can not be found anywhere else. I am glad you are adjusted. :-)

Cindy said...

Always grow where you're planted. If you don't do that by choice, you will wither up and die inside. I'm inspired how you have taken a less than perfect situation and made the decision to make it home.

Joyce said...

what a lovely post...and a great way to look at life...

Pat said...

A true post from the heart. I love this type of post. Being transparent enough to let God do a work in you, and transparent enough to do a work in others who read this.
I too don't adapt that well to change, especially the older I get! You've done a wonderful job of adapting, to everything.
Isn't it the most soul thrilling feeling to realizing that little sprout growing....just when you though the soil had no nutrients in it any more. Just one of lifes miracles I say!
Get well everyone, and keep blooming!
Word verification today: hedge!

Becky said...

I am glad you are enjoying your late summer weather. It is still mid 80s here and believe it or not when the humidity is low it is even cool here, well maybe for a minute or two.
I miss the late summer and fall up north I miss the montage of colors and the beauty of the Lord. I am glad your happy Gina.