Springtime and Sparrows

(Image borrowed from here.)

While thinking about several new things that will soon be taking place I realized that these new beginnings come at a most appropriate season of the year. Spring will bring a handful of significant changes that most do not. And not just changes - beginnings.

First on the menu is a big move. Okay, not really that big. Only about an hour and a half from where we are now. But in all reality, any move is a big move - securing a new place, packing up all the crap accumulated since the last purging, renting a moving truck, unloading, unpacking, new town, new church (our only regret in leaving), new people, new routes... This move looms ever closer - and nothing I do seems to slow its approach. On Monday, I took a peek at the calendar (which I've realized I've been avoiding in perhaps an unconscious act of denial) and shuddered to see that only two rows of numbered white squares are left between us and this daunting event. In spite of my resolve to not stress out, I have to admit that the old familiar troublemakers, Helplessness and Despair, ran their clammy fingers up and down my spine, threatening and intimidating.

My other half is constantly reminding me that it's not as bad as it seems. Good progress is being made and I've managed to keep stress at bay. And the excitement of moving to a bigger city and a place with two bathrooms overshadows any packing blues. This move marks just one of many new beginnings with countless new options and experiences.

Yes, rent will be more than what we pay now; yes, the square footage is smaller; yes, we'll have to put half of our things in storage; yes, we'll now have to pay for that storage...BUT moving brings with it another privilege - a puppy! Yes, we will be adding to our family. We've searched the internet far and wide for just the right one: a male long haired miniature dachshund. I think we've finally found one. Time will tell.

Finally, we'll be getting a new vehicle. Remember those sad, sad pictures of Adam's mangled car? Well, the insurance has determined to give us about $1,000 more than it was worth to begin with. WOW. We are floored by God's graciousness! It's like He made sure we got what we needed, then said, "And here's a little extra for you to buy yourself something nice." There's even more value in this story when you realize that we were in need of a vehicle with all wheel drive, especially now that Adam will be working at the hospital. Neither of our little cars would have been safe transportation in all the snow and ice. Ta-da! What a happy ending - or rather beginning.

It occurs to me that this period in life is unique among others. I know that Adam doesn't appreciate the heavy decisions that rest on his shoulders regarding specialties and residencies, but we will never again be able to dream so big or ambitiously as now. A universe of possibilities floats before us, and virtually every one is as attainable as the next.

I don't pretend to know what exactly God has in store for us but finding out is half the fun...the other half is just plain scary. I feel the panic creeping in, the shortness of breath, the loss of control...but hang on:

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31).

 (Imaged borrowed from here.)