Living for the present
Posted by Christina | | Posted On Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 11:54 AM
February is here. Let the panic begin.
Ok, so I’m not panicking quite yet, but the reality of what Matt and I are planning to do in just four short months is beginning to catch up with me. Until we returned from our visit to Austin, Texas in mid-January, the idea of moving across the country still seemed at arms length. Somewhere out in the distance, but not close enough to really feel the impact. Now what was seemingly just a speck of an idea is right up in my face, and the weight of that decision is definitely starting to hit.
I have never been one to get super sentimental about possessions. Matt and I are both notorious for getting rid of stuff, sometimes to a fault. But the bags of old clothes that will board the donation truck on Friday have been calling out to me from their temporary location in the office. “Don’t get rid of me! Remember that time you wore me when… (insert here any good memory about college/marriage/Spokane/Seattle/Washington in general).”
Every day that goes by is a last day in Washington for something. This weekend will be the last Superbowl party in Washington, next week my last birthday in Washington, last Valentine’s Day in Washington, last time going to that coffee shop, last time shopping at that store, last day driving on that street near that place at that exact moment in Washington. Of course we will come back and visit, and of course it’s not a foregone idea that we could move back some day. But these are the last moments of my Washington life as I have known it. And, for the first time in a very long time, I am soaking up the present. Hoping time will move a little slower. March can wait.
Ok, so I’m not panicking quite yet, but the reality of what Matt and I are planning to do in just four short months is beginning to catch up with me. Until we returned from our visit to Austin, Texas in mid-January, the idea of moving across the country still seemed at arms length. Somewhere out in the distance, but not close enough to really feel the impact. Now what was seemingly just a speck of an idea is right up in my face, and the weight of that decision is definitely starting to hit.
I have never been one to get super sentimental about possessions. Matt and I are both notorious for getting rid of stuff, sometimes to a fault. But the bags of old clothes that will board the donation truck on Friday have been calling out to me from their temporary location in the office. “Don’t get rid of me! Remember that time you wore me when… (insert here any good memory about college/marriage/Spokane/Seattle/Washington in general).”
Every day that goes by is a last day in Washington for something. This weekend will be the last Superbowl party in Washington, next week my last birthday in Washington, last Valentine’s Day in Washington, last time going to that coffee shop, last time shopping at that store, last day driving on that street near that place at that exact moment in Washington. Of course we will come back and visit, and of course it’s not a foregone idea that we could move back some day. But these are the last moments of my Washington life as I have known it. And, for the first time in a very long time, I am soaking up the present. Hoping time will move a little slower. March can wait.
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Wow...you are me two years ago! I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for your journey with Matt across the country to a new place full of new friends you've never met, and new opportunities you could not have imagined. You are so talented and wonderful. God will place you exactly where you need to be, and will lead you tirelessly through the rough spots.
I remember all of my "Washington lasts" with fondness and tears. It was scary and sad and exciting all at the same time. I still get homesick, but I also love all of my "Dallas firsts." Enjoy this time with Matt. Your future is full of possibility, and God created you with talents, personality and faith perfect for this time in your life.
Enjoy it, and know that a friend who has been there is praying for you every step of the way!
Thanks so much Ashley! I know I will be looking to you for reassurance when we hit rough days. Knowing you've done this and it all turned out OK gives me strength. Thanks for your prayers!