Just the Two of Us

The idea of starting over again—just the two of us, no kids, no family, just the two of us—has been incomprehensible.

Let me back up a bit. 2012 ended with my participation in the annual Christmas musical at our church—13 performances in two weeks—followed by a trip to Montana and then Kansas.

In Montana, I toured the city with a writer friend while my husband interviewed for a job. In Kansas, we celebrated the Lord’s birth as well as the birth of our newest grandbaby. The Montana trip was only three days, whereas my stay in Kansas was two weeks. The end of those two weeks brought an official offer to my husband for the job in Montana, which lead to purging, packing, and cleaning of our house in Nebraska.

Yes, my life has been turned upside down. Yes, my writing suffered. Yes, there’s been a ripple effect. This move moves us further away from our adult children, my elderly mother, our siblings, friends, and my beloved church family…but, oh the joy of knowing that they are God’s plans

“For I know the plans I have for you.” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 

Jeremiah 29:11 nlt

The Lord didn’t simply swoop down and uproot our lives. Much like our backpacking treks, when the trail begins going the wrong direction, my husband recognized the signs in his job situation. He knew he needed to seek a different course. We took action.

“…when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:12 nlt

We prayed. We sought the Lord.

My husband updated his resume. He networked. He went on several interviews.

God heard our prayers. He saw our efforts, persistence, and patience. He provided the right connections.

Montana was never on our radar as the place He’d take us, but when I walked out of the airport, I knew it was our new home. When I listened to the excitement in my husband’s voice after the interview, I knew I needed to get the house ready for sale. I knew we were about to step into our newest adventure.

To say it hasn’t been emotional and scary would be a lie. The idea of starting over again—just the two of us, no kids, no family, just the two of us—has been incomprehensible. It’s not the first time, but has been 37 years since this wide-eyed newlywed couple drove the Al-Can Highway through Yukon Territory to Anchorage, Alaska.

God knew the plans He had for us then, and knows the way He wants us to go today. He’ll use it all for His purpose and His glory.

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 nlt

Seek the Lord with all your heart, and He will be found.