The Bend in the Road

"When I left Queen's my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes ~ what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows ~ what new landscapes ~ what new beauties ~ what new curves and hills and valleys further on." Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

A few months ago, my road seemed straight and unvarying. I was sitting at home, not necessarily discontent with my life, but feeling a little unremarkable. I LOVE being a wife and mommy and I would never give up that blessing, but I decided that I would tell God that I was ready for whatever new adventure He might have planned for me. I wanted to actively claim His blessing. Well, my goodness! How He did jump at my offer! I must admit that my heart was not prepared for what the Lord had in store for me. Maybe a new project, a little trip or something, but I hadn't expected to lose my home. You see, Mr. Browning has been quite uncomfortable about our living in such a junky neighborhood for some time, and finally decided to take advantage of the buyer's market.It has been quiet around here lately because the Brownings are no longer at the Greenhouse.

Instead we have been at the BIG...GREEN...HOUSE.


The Greenhouse:

• sits on 1/2 acre
• is roughly 1000 sq. feet
• has a total of 7 rooms (with a stinky basement)
• 2 bedrooms; 1 tiny bathroom

The Green House:

• sits on 2 1/2 acres
• 2,690 sq. feet
• has 13 rooms (with a 3-car garage)
• 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (and you've gotta see the jetted tub!)

You may be wondering how I could feel anything less than enthusiasm over this move. Well, I'm not exactly conventional. Space and luxury aren't really important to me. I love my humble little home, with its uneven walls, extremely low ceilings, and even that stinky basement. I spent nearly a third of my life there, planning, remodeling, dreaming. It truly suits me. I put so much of myself into every corner. I brought my babies home to the little Greenhouse...

I know the argument: I can still do stuff to this house. But to me, putting a few pictures on the wall doesn't really make a house a home. This place is already done, new, complete. It doesn't need me. Someone else has chosen the details that reflect their tastes. I know it will never be "OK", but I must be like Anne and expect that my future can only hold good things. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I have taken a step in faith and been obedient to my husband as he leads us. Now I am waiting for the blessings God has for us here, and looking for ways that I can be a blessing, too. Will you pray for me?