When we first moved here almost 7 years ago, our street was just getting developed and the street behind us, though it was paved, was still mostly undeveloped. Farther up the hill was just sage brush and wild grass and spring wildflowers. I have always loved that we moved so close to the hills. Trails for miles are just a few minutes walk up a dirt road. I go up there often.
Admittedly, the hills look different than they did 7 years ago. Some of the trails I loved are gone. In just 7 short years, dozens of houses have been build, roads have been paved, and the hillside has been carved into. One of the things that has been build, right here in our neighborhood, is a Temple. I love the Temple. I was so excited when I learned there would be one in our midst. I go there often.
But it did bring changes to my hillside walks. One day, after the temple construction began, I was walking on one of the now-gone trails. The baby of the family (now 5) was still a baby then. I knew he would be our last, but I didn’t want to admit it. I loved having babies. (Not to say that it was all pleasant. I don’t do well in sleep-deprivation and my last two being winter babies left me with some mild PPD. Not to mention my body at 35 didn’t quite bounce back the way it did at 22, but I digress.) I was walking on this trail, and I stopped to look at the construction of the Temple. “You have loved these trails,” I thought to myself. “But you will love having a Temple, too. There are so many good things in store for you family.” In that moment, I knew there was another message for me there too. “You have loved having babies. But you will love what is to come too. There are good things in store.”
I was thinking about that experience this week. I shared it with a friend somewhat randomly, then she told me it was just what she needed to hear. But I think I needed to hear it too, because I am at another transition. As another stage of my life begins, I have to hope that there are beautiful things still to come.
And there are for you, too. As you leave home, I hope you can say that same. “I have had a good childhood, but there are good things - beautiful, soul-stretching, exciting things - to come.”
You will love it.
You will learn so much. You will develop gifts and talents that I could never give you. You will go places I could never take you. You will meet people that will change your life. You will see God manifesting in your life in a way you never could before. I want those things for you.
Change and transitions are difficult. Its like when Spring first starts and its ugly and windy and brown and all the dead of the past is again revealed. But then slowly and all at once, the flowers burst from the trees, the grasses turn green, and its beautiful. Do not be afraid of transitions. They bring beautiful things.
I am obviously obsessed with transitions right now, so it'll be no surprise to you that I agree. It's such a crazy time to watch these kids move forward. Sometimes I swear I'm feeling it more than them. Ha!