We've been in our new house/town/state for six weeks. We hit the ground running as soon as we landed here. Doctor appointments, registering for school, unpacking, house projects, new job...it's been exhausting! Then Claire and Emma both started new schools. We're trying new churches, meeting new friends, experiencing new things...it's overwhelming to me, to our marriage, to the kids, to our family. Charlie's nap schedule has been sorely messed up, Claire and Emma have been exhausted and resisting new experiences, Justin and I have not had much opportunity to connect. Uhhh... I'm tired just blogging about it.
I'm fearful that this is just life with three kids... with two in school... with a baby.. and that it won't ever change or improve. I'm worried that I'll never open my bible again, connect deeply with friends, or feel caught up. I'm scared that we won't find a place to feel challenged, friends who will call us out, or people to invite into our mess.
But...even as I sit here, overwhelmed in every single way possible, I'm reminded that the Lord is faithful. He will continue to write our story for His glory and (please, Lord?) provide life-giving friendships, deep connections, routine, and hopefully some consistency for awhile.
It's not like we've never been in this situation before. God has brought us through similar valleys and has proven Himself faithful. This move has really just done us in. Three moves in three years... with two and now three children. It's just too much. I can't do it again. I'm begging the Lord for some quiet years to refresh. I'm so dry and so empty and so.stinkin.tired.
Who has some encouragement for this exhausted, nomadic family of five? We need it, peeps.
5 comments:
Coffee and some fun Iowa visitors?!?!
We have had no 'normal' for over a year and 'normal' doesn't appear to be arriving anytime soon. I have to remind myself each day that today is the day the Lord has given me and I need to focus just on the day at hand. He will give me the strength to get through it.
It has also helped me to think about others who have had 'normal' taken away from them like the Christians in the Middle East. Praying for them helps me put 'normal' in perspective.
But take courage. While life with kids is never totally normal, things will settle down eventually. School will become routine, you'll find a church, and Charlie will adjust to being a one nap baby. You'll find 'normal' again!
Oh man I want to come over for a cup of coffee and some talk time. You and me both girl. It's so hard to feel out of sync. You have every reason to be off right now and life WILL normalize. We are still reeling from a new baby and we haven't had any other changes like you have.
Love what Jenny said about doing it one day at a time. Don't borrow trouble/anxiety from tomorrow. Remember to cry out to God with the short prayers when you don't have time for a "quiet time" and trust that He sees you when no one else does!!! Love you friend.
Oh how I feel you on this. Even after a year of living here I don't feel completely "there" yet. That probably isn't encouraging to you but I will say that you are right - God is faithful. He is your rock and your fortress and he is strong when you are weak. Hang in there. God put you guys there for a reason and it will be fun (and maybe exhausting) for you to see that in action.
Totally know the feeling:) We are now a year into living in the DC area & I am still adjusting to life here. New kindergarten, changed preschools, & a busy 18 month old---totally understand. (If you want to know the honest truth, I cried to my husband last night about how I'm just TIRED! and the thought of doing this all over next year is already overwhelming me!). But it does get better. Once you find a good church, meet some new friends (and a babysitter!), and make sure to get some "me" time on the weekend. It's hard to do when you want to do all as a family, but I have to carve out at least a couple hours of just "me" while Chris is at home on the weekend so I can recharge and revive for the following week to be "on" with the kids. Hang in there-it does get better but I have to say life with littles keeps us on one's toes. Hugs!
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