My Nest Felt Uncomfortable
Ever felt like that little bird whose mama kept making the nest not-so-cozy so her babies would fly away? Before long that little bird had enough and flew away. It may be called “restlessness”. If Covid taught me anything, “more” is not necessary. I started feeling “less IS more”. I sensed I didn’t need all this stuff to satisfy me. My “nest” started getting extremely uncomfortable. Yes, I was snuggled in all safe and sound, but discomfort came with it. Maybe it had to do with home maintenance issues, taking care of yard and plumbing and other various issues – not to mention the over-anxious and relentless prenatal squirrel who was insistent on making a nest for her/his babies in my attic.
A little here. A little there. And I began to question myself. Am I dissatisfied to the point of needing to ask God for forgiveness for my discontentment? Or is this discomfort a tool God is using to make me so uncomfortable because He is leading me to other pastures? I have this confidence, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23)
In my heart-to-heart times with the Lord, I realized I didn’t even need to speak the words to Him about how uncomfortable “my nest” seems to have been. He knew it. The thought came that I should downsize and find an apartment home retirement community. I was led to check out a lovely community just south of me in Plano. I loved everything about it. The location. Convenience. Others taking care of maintenance. Freedom to say “yes” to new opportunities and to be a light to a beautiful new community of people. I left convinced to put my home on the market right away. My Frisco family saw it and agreed with me.
THEN, I sent photos of my “grand idea” to my son. Without a word, he replied with photos of communities like this in Austin. He and my Austin family wanted me. How good that makes a mama feel! I had been in Frisco for four years with my family here. Now it is my Austin family’s turn. The kids here are grown up with living their own lives after I cultivated precious times with them in their speech and debate years, being a judge and cheerleader to them. Attending church with them in their worship and praise ministries. My Austin crew still consists of a 14- and 16-year-old who are involved in sports and their season of maturing. The second oldest has a precious girl friend and we’re already calling her one of ours, and the oldest assures me “Nana, it will be sooner than later that we’re getting you a great grandbaby!” So, what’s not to love about this new season of life? God knew it. Now, I know it!
The icing on the cake was when Payton sold my home to the first people who looked at it. His savvy and social media smarts gave my home the best possible opportunity to be sold. These people took advantage of a first-come, first served. Payton was playing my piano. The mother teared up when she heard it and knew this would be her new home.
I know that God has assignments for me to fulfill and “comfort zone” just won’t cut it. Being uncomfortable about something just might be the impetus to make changes. I know downsizing doesn’t mean quitting. Just maybe being uncomfortable is what pushes us out of our comfort zone. That’s when we find out what we’re really made of.
On February 15th I’ll be taking up residence in Austin. Fresh start. New beginning. New day. I am stoked and so excited about this new season. Seems, since my sweetheart’s exit to heaven, that God has given me wings to fly. These wings are becoming stronger and stronger as I live with the certainty that He equips me with wisdom for the moment and faith that wherever He leads, I will follow.
If we place our lives in God’s hands, then He unfolds the plans and shows us the how, when, and where. Once we get that, then the restlessness ceases and the wide-eyed wonder of a child runs to ADVENTURELAND with all out abandonment for the thrilling rides that lie ahead! Surely — not a chance for boredom, complacency, or status quo there.