Standin' On New Ground

An Evening Prayer for Those Planning a Geographic Move (especially by themselves):

Father-God, Creator of this beautiful Universe, first, I thank you for the 6 years I have lived again in my 'hometown.' I realize that not everyone gets to 'go home again,' as I have been privileged to do. Surely I have met some of the greatest people on this earth in this little town. And I thank You and them. Father, we don't know what to do about seeking the asking price, the continuing cleaning and upgrades, the timing of the sale, and the various costs. Forgive my complaining of the upcoming costs of things, especailly the greediness of the banking industry...and the big bucks for the little tasks they will perform.  Hold my tongue and guard my heart, please.  Help me forgive them as for the first time ever in my life I asked for their help and they denied it.  And I am embarrassed for them that they make so much money from my loans and mortages, but pay me one half of one percent on my savings, which they also use to make their own profit.  It's a tough world for those of us down here alone, Father.  I pray for a profit that will allow me to cash purchase a little peaceful place to call home next.

And, oh, how hard the frustrations of looking at our beloved homes and seeing the blemishes that were OK for us, but drive us to self-criticism when we think of the eyes of others focused, perhaps critically, where we have thrived and belonged. What memories are stored in those blemishes!...the contact paper that was covering the old formica countertops when we moved in; the couple of bends in the fence railing in the back yard; the odd placement of a home on 2 acres of land; the beautiful new master bathroom with hot water that turns on to the right, rather than to the left; the little squish in the floor of the yet-to-be-rennovated guest bathroom; the old rubber inner tube found wrapped around the leaky water line by the driveway - holding back the plumbing problem for how many years before that ingenuity gave way, requiring a new professional repair? What stories this 50-year old house could tell! And if I did not tell, who would know that the bed was bolted to the wall so I could read for hours without any 'squeaking' noises...and why did my realtor think that odd?!

Father, we beseech you to look upon us and register strongly our own sincere efforts and desires for our once-homes to be loved and protected and improved by those who follow. What a journey a house takes once the new walls and roof are skillfully joined, as mine was back in the 1970's until now. How many hours of laughter, of arguments and agreements; of planning life, of losses and gains, of storms and sunshine, and of tears have fallen as sweet memories upon the walls of this house. How many times were the floors pounded by work boots, 'high heels,' house slippers, and toddlers tiny barefoot steps? Only these walls and floors know!

Is it possible that there is another woman or couple who will see the beauty of these old bones? Someone who wants to continue the restoration I began? Is there someone who is inspired by the lake views and the natural beauty outside every window?  Will a gardner see the potential of the beautiful plot of land? Will the quietness of this place calm and restore the spirits of the new owners...as it has mine and every guest?  

I am grateful, in advance, for the person/s who catch the vision and undertake the projects that are coming in future years...new windows, new roof, renovation of the guest bath, and whatever else they dream. O, how I want so badly to explain and draw pictures of my visions of these projects...but I have to let go now...move one...allow others to dream of the simple grandeur of this lovely place.

May Your blessings fall upon them - pressed down and shaken together. May there be peace and success and JOY in this place.

And may you teach me to be secure without owning the land I stand on for the first time in my nearly70 years. May more strength and energy come when I no long have the mowing, the 'fixing', the planning required of home owning.  Heal my bones and joints from the physical stress of repair and cleaning - and my mind for the stress of wondering how it will all come together.  And will it provide a way to my new home...and where, oh where, is that?

Bring answers to our questions, Father....lead the way through house selling and relocation.  Focus now my eyes upon the last remaining decade/s you will grant to this old soul. Pour blessings all around this place, dear God. And lead each of us to life and peace.

Amen

Comments