I am absolutely NO different than the Israelites. In fact, I am probably worse! I can honestly say that I would totally grumble and complain every time the cloud lifted over a place, knowing I would have to pack up my stuff and leave. I know this because for the last year, I have not enjoyed having to shove my stuff in drawers at a moment’s notice when a prospective buyer requests a house showing. I can honestly say that I will not be partaking in any form of Sukkot (Feast of Booths/Feast of Tabernacles) to commemorate my time in the wilderness (I assure you if we were still commanded to celebrate this Feast, it would be my absolute least favorite! I do not like camping in any form. I most certainly will not sleep in a tent on the hard ground!). I understand that Christ is our center and everything else is periphery; however, I do need some sense of structure!
There is not one part of this moving process that I have enjoyed. Since I have gotten to Florida I have continued my grumbling and complaining. I had no idea how strong the Florida sun can be. I have been complaining that I miss my old life and my friends. I can say that I have an even greater appreciation for Sarah’s faith who up and left with Abraham when he received God’s call (Gen 12). I cannot help but wonder, if she ever asked herself, “why am I here?” or worse yet, “why did I get married?!” especially in light of Gen 12:10-20; 20:1-18. (Thankfully, this has not happened to me; however, bad idea to ask your spouse “why did I get married?!” It will not go over well! Nathan, I love you, lesson learned!). I have a greater appreciation for Jacob and his hesitation on going down to Egypt in his older age (Gen 46:1-7) and for Ruth leaving Moab to be with Naomi.
I have seen God’s Hand in this moving process; yet, I choose to grumble and complain, rather than sing songs of praise and thanksgiving. Warren Wiersbe says time and time again, “outlook determines outcome.” I do not want my outcome to be where people avoid me like the plague because I have a negative and critical spirit. Nor do I want to be a fraud and present myself online as a person who is void of struggles (that would negate the whole purpose of this blog!). To again quote Wiersbe, I want my past to be a “rudder not an anchor.” Either I can trust God will help me in this moving transition as He has done for His people since the dawn of time; or, I can rebel and suffer some hard lessons.
Father God, help us to have outlooks that are rooted and centered in You. Lord, thank You for this reader. Lord, Thank You for Your grace and mercy, as well as the courage to be vulnerable. Lord, help this reader to reflect on where they may be resisting making a move for You. Lord, I know first hand that You cannot use people who are unwilling to move. Whether it is a literal or figurative move, may the past be a rudder spurring us forward rather than an anchor holding us back. May we walk by faith and not by sight or feeling. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.
Blue Collar Theologian 
Great post, Mandy. Being uprooted can definitely be a hassle, and can definitely get under one’s skins. I think the fact that you are so open about how upset you are shows that you are not satisfied with being this way. No doubt the Lord will bring you the peace that surpasses all understanding when this current “season” passes.
And yes, this year in Florida has been brutally hot and humid (I live in Orlando).
Praying for your peace of mind!
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Hi David!
Thank you for your kind words and praying for my peace of mind! I am one of those people that when I get stuck in a rut, I don’t wait around waiting to be rescued, I paddle and paddle and paddle until I wear myself out. Only when I get exhausted from fighting am I able to see clearly. In my mind, what I am saying makes sense! The minute I hit publish, I felt a sense of peace as well as accountability. God is definitely lifting me out of the muck and mire. Thank you again for your encouragment and prayers! Blessings, Mandy
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Great post Mandy! For a second there I thought my wife had posted it. Her idea of camping is having dinner on the back deck, that’s with enclosed screening and a sun shade. Let me guess … Nathan loves camping! You’re not alone with how we would have faired in the wilderness, I’m thinking I could have been among those that the ground opened up and swallowed. Having served time in the military and over in the Middle East, where it REALLY gets hot, I’m grateful for what I call Reference Points, which allow me to complain but still be appreciative at the same time because I KNOW it could be a LOT worse. The good news is we do adapt progressively and by the time you get to my age, you’ve been through it so many times that it’s hardly worth a mention. Well maybe that’s a little too lax, OK you’ll still mention it but there won’t be tears in your eyes any more. It’s like having children. With your first child, it their soother falls on the floor, you sterilize it in boiling water. Second child, you rise it off at the sink. Third child, you lick it clean. You’ll do great! Blessings!
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Hi Bruce! You are so right about Nathan and I! Nathan is a MASSIVE outdoorsman, fishing/boating, hunting, camping. The first night I met Nathan I made it VERY clear I under no circumstances will become one with nature. I will interact with nature in a controlled environment at best! From there I earned the nickname “Shiny” which he still calls me today. I am a practical but NOT rustic! Nathan has spent years in the Middle East as well and assures me that what we are experiencing is nothing like that! I am going to adopt your Reference Point philosophy! I see progress in the sense that I do not stay in a funk as long or I name the funk sooner rather than dealing with it in my own strength. In my mind what I am saying is making sense. Since writing this post, I have been MUCH more at peace! My mom was over a little bit ago (which was one of my reasons for moving here, for Nathan it was the fishing of course!) and said she wanted to write a comment about “no one knows how true and awful this has really been!” Thank you Bruce for your encouragment, I genuinely and sincerely appreciate it!!!!
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“Just like a tree that stands by the water, I shall not be moved.” Old hymn. Lol. I hope I never move again. -Alan
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Hi Alan! Thank you for sharing this!!! I appreciate knowing that someone understands! YOU ROCK! Blessings, Mandy
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I hear Florida is very hot! What state did you live at before?
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I am from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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Ah, Pennsylvania!
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Where are you from?!
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Southern California
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