Sigh!

Have you ever found yourself making those deep sighing breaths?

I did a lot of that this past week.

My sighs were dramatic enough for my husband to ask if I was okay.

My response was always, “Yes, I’m okay!”

But really, how okay can a person be when their future is so unknown.

Then again, do any of us know our future or what lies ahead for the day that moment we awake?

Sure, we know our responsibilities for the day…even our dreams.  But, we do not know if they will indeed become the reality.  Life changes on a dime, so to speak.

 

Ducks on a pond - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Those of you who are regular readers know that my life changed on January 2 when my husband walked into his office to be dismissed from his position.  He works daily at getting work or another ministry position.  Yet…nine months and two days later….nothing has transpired.

As we were looking for work beyond our ‘new’ hometown in Pennsylvania, the owner of our home, decided he would like to put the house on the market.  He had doubts that it would sell.  After all, it was on the market for eight months before we signed a lease with him.

I suspected that all the cosmetic changes we had made to the house would make it significantly more marketable.  However, the houses on either side of ours had been for sale since early spring.  One had just sold, the other seems to get little traffic or interest, and there are many houses on the market in the borough.   And though the real estate agent had not been in the house for years, she thought it would sell quickly.

 

Packing Cats - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Packing “helpers.”

 

Two of us were right.  An offer was made on the house before it “officially” even went on the market, giving us a bit over a month to pack up, and figure out our next step.   We entertained many options.  But, with three cats…two who are 14 years-old and one who is nine…our options were limited.

Economics were also a big part of our picture.  We got a quote on moving our ‘house’ to Michigan by a professional mover.  Twelve thousand dollars was the quote.  [gulp]  It seemed the best thing to do was to put everything in storage, locally.  Over the course of the week…our home was transformed into a house.  An empty house.

Some good friends offered us the option to come and stay with them.  Surely a better option than trying to rent another place while looking for employment.  We are incredibly grateful for their kindness and generosity in upsetting their lifestyle to accommodate us and our three cats.

 

Cats in Carrier - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

On the road in a two cat ‘house’

 

Our plan was to have everything packed and cleaned by noon on the 31st.  By five o’clock that day, we realized that was just not going to happen, so we shot for the next day at noon.  In the end, we pulled out at 3:25 p.m. with a car loaded with two cat carriers, laptops, camera equipment, clothes for late summer to winter, and miscellaneous essentials.  We were packed to the brim.

About 10 miles in to our journey, we heard a stressed cry from one of the cats and an odor came wafting forward.  Another mile or two and another unpleasant odor filled the car.  It was essential that we stop.  In order to get into the back seat, I had to set things outside the car and close the door so that I could get cats out of carriers, clean, and change carrier locations and switch out the cats in their carriers.  Poppy our sickie was going to ride alone.

After everything was resettled, we took off again, with plans to stop at a restroom so I could wash the “you know what” off my hands and fresh clean pants.  As I got ready to get out of the car, I realized that the spot where I had just attended to the cats, we had pulled away leaving my camera bag, etc., sitting in the parking lot.

Immediately my husband was informed that he needed to drive quickly back to that parking lot.  And yes, I prayed like crazy.  You can only imagine my relief when I saw the bag and dirty towels laying in the parking lot.  I cried tears of joy.  The bag made it back in the car.  The stinky towels?

Our trip was to be just under six hours.  And though the traffic was not heavy, and we only had a brief rain shower, two very sore (does anybody make a squat-o-meter??) and exhausted people needed to stop for longer times at the rest areas.    At one point, it was my turn to drive.  I walked around and around and around the car praying as my husband went in to the service plaza.  I was so tired I had anxiety.  When he returned to the car I apologized that I couldn’t see well enough to drive.  He had worked so hard and I knew he was as tired a me.   But, I am glad that I was truthful with my fatigue, as we went through the longest construction zone, which in my state would have put me over the top completely.

On a dark stretch of road we drove past the sign welcoming us to Pure Michigan.  I sighed with relief.  A little more than an hour and we would be ‘home.’  Finally, we pulled in our friends’ driveway sometime after 11 p.m.  Yay!

 

Drawer Cat - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

“How about you leave that stuff outside the drawer and I make this my new bed?”

 

That was three days ago.  I’d like to tell you I have recovered.  Seriously I truly expected that after a good night’s sleep and an easy day, I would be reenergized.  Instead I am overwhelmed with tiredness.

Yesterday, we took time to walk at a lovely park and yes, my camera was in hand.  The nature photos are just a few of those I took on the walk.  The best photos are never taken around noon, and these are not great.  But, at least it gives you a glimpse into the beauty at the park.  I fully expected to be reenergized from the walk.  Yes, it fed my soul, but physically, no.

 

Geese on the pond - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I know some of you are going through greater things than job loss, home loss, and fatigue.  Yet, your prayer support and words of encouragement mean the world to me.  Thank you.

God has been so good to us through these past few months.  I know HE is trustworthy.  I know HE will direct our paths and make a way for a good job/ministry for my husband and a home for us, and possibly even a job for me.

If I could dream, I would dream that this little blog could be my job.  I know it is possible.  And more than anything, it makes my heart sing to share with you here.   Wouldn’t that be Extraordinary?

Today my husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary.  I am blessed with a good, godly, and handsome man who I know loves me with all his heart.  My heart is full.  There won’t be cards, or gifts, or even a special dinner.  But, I do know there’s a famous dairy bar in this town and I’m going to suggest that we order an ice cream treat to share and celebrate our love and blessing.

If you’ve made it this far….you are extraordinary!  

Love & Hugs….

Diane

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Comments

  1. Glenda Kremer says

    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY–how many years? enjoy the ice cream–praying for God’s choice of jobs and home for you and Tim.
    hugs
    Glenda Kremer

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Glenda!!
      We split a Turtle Sundae and my was it indulgent. 😉

  2. We know all too well about job loss, but we were fortunate to find work only 4 months after it happened. And although we need a new roof and a few other things, our home is paid off. God be with you and your husband on your journey to finding a new home and jobs.

    • Diane says

      I’m sorry that you experienced the job loss too, JoAnn. Those four months felt like forever I’m sure. May God make a way for your other needs, next.
      Thanks for your words of blessing….
      [hugs]
      Diane

  3. Gail says

    Praise God, all 5 of you arrived intact. Now our prayers turn to your dear husband’s employment situation

    • Diane says

      Thank you Gail!!
      God will provide. 🙂
      Blessings!

  4. Velia says

    Happy Anniversary to you both. Of all the joys in a long and happy life, there’s none so precious as the love between husband and wife. May you years ahead be blessed with a wonderful journey. Grace and Peace be yours in abundance.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Velia!
      Blessings to you, too, my friend!

  5. Carolyn says

    As you are finding out yet once again, our happiness & joy does not correlate w/our physical circumstances. Nevertheless, I am praying you have a crazy happy anniversary! Get giddy! You have sooo much compared to sooo many!
    Too soon I forget the little cardboard makeshift “homes” I used to see near the Asuncion River’s edge in Paraguay. The little “mushroom” towns, called so because they seemed to spring up overnight in Santiago, Chile. So many people moving into the city, only to find they couldn’t find affordable housing anywhere.
    Those are only 2 places that I have personally seen but the world is full of so much misery today, w/no real hope for anything better tomorrow.
    So when I’m a little inconvenienced by the smaller size of my living room or dining room when I have a houseful of guests, I try to remember my good friend Anita & her little table & how we all crowded around it, literally elbow to elbow, & had the time of our lives!
    I am not preaching to the choir, dear dear Diane. I’m just trying to help your focus during this unbearably suspenseful, difficult, hard-to-understand time. If it seems it will never end, that’s a lie. Thank God you know in your heart of hearts that God is Faithfulness Himself (not ‘itself’)!!! Knocking on Heaven’s Door for You!

    • Diane says

      Yes, Carolyn, HE IS Faithful. Always. Never changing.
      Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I truly am blessed. 🙂
      [hugs]
      Diane

  6. Gwen says

    Truthfully? I’m sad with you. As my daughter once said at age four, This isn’t the way lifes supposed to be! :-(”
    And God knows that it is not. He designed us with the desires of our Christian heart as I glance at your blogs headers. I’m no good at advice. I’m not supposed to be using my brain hardly at all as my fatigue is not better…but could you just give yourself a real vacation of say a month? Ask your friend if you could have just one day of just sleeping and not thinking? I’ve had to do that. In fact I’m lying down right now. God says its wise to rest. Your audience, blog partners…we will be here praying.
    I had a pastor who once said God will let you know when it’s time to get back into things. He’s not upset you need rest.
    Rest in His gentle arms.

    • Diane says

      Oh dear Gwen…..I feel the love in your words of understanding and encouragement. And I did something I rarely ever do….I actually took a nap this afternoon. Thank you for your advice. “We” have a tendency to think that we must be in the doing….and God is into our being….it’s such a tension.
      My friend….let’s rest together in the ONE who knit us into being. The only ONE who gives rest and restoration and healing. He is able to do the unimaginable….let’s believe and trust together for each other.
      [hugs]
      Diane

  7. Diane says

    You have been through so much. I know there are many in similar circumstances, but it seems like you’ve done everything you can to get yourself through this ordeal. It’s always good to have friends during times of crisis and I’m glad to hear you’ve at least found a place to live! You are fortunate you have your faith to give you solace. We have been struggling a bit trying to find good paying jobs, but I can’t imagine going through what you are facing. Sometimes a fresh move changes things, in a good way, and hopefully new jobs are just around the corner. Congratulations on your anniversary and enjoy your ice cream treat!

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your encouraging thoughts, Diane. I think you’re right about the freshness of a move…at least it gives me additional hope. My heart hurts for you as you struggle in your own situation. Just prayed for you.
      We did enjoy our Turtle Sundae…yum!! 🙂
      Blessings!
      ~Diane

  8. Dona says

    YOU are extraordinary. You have such a beautiful spirit….I just KNOW God’s gonna lay the blessings on you! You are in my prayers. Dona

    • Diane says

      Big hugs to you Dona! 🙂
      You are an Extraordinary encourager! 🙂

  9. In my younger days, which were more carefree I suppose, I always looked on hard times as an “adventure.” I don’t know now that I could do that at age 63. But, God hasn’t changed; He always took are of us, so why wouldn’t He do the same now in our senior years. I know what job loss is; I know what losing a pension is. We have survived and now have a sweet cottage style home, that I have felt more comfortable in than any place we ever lived. God is soooo good!!! I will continue to pray with you and your husband for His will for your lives, because that will be the best place you can be.

    Hugs, Sue

    • Diane says

      You are so right, Susan. God does not change. Isn’t there great comfort in knowing that?
      I’m sorry for your loses. And rejoice in your choice to embrace the goodness that you now have…in spite of loss. We really do have so much for which to give thanks. Especially a sweet cottage style home. 🙂
      Blessings!
      ~Diane

  10. Happy anniversary my friend! As one who dealt with three years of her hubby’s unemployment, the loss of our home, the forced sale of cars, etc. I totally understand. God is faithful and completely trustworthy. I dream of writing begin my full time job too. That would be fun! Praying blessings, favor and prosperity over you and your family!

    • Diane says

      My sweet friend….I know you understand…and live each day fully trusting and believing. You are a wonderful writer, Barbie. I will pray that God makes a way for your dream. 🙂 And thank you so much for your encouraging words.
      [hugs]
      Diane

  11. Happy Anniversary! I appreciate you so much, Diane! You are a shining example to others – y’all have been through tough times but are sticking it out together with your faith as the glue. I pray for you both every time I think of you – which is often. I think part of your fatigue is emotional, which can make us physically exhausted. What a blessing you have in these friends that have welcomed you! An awesome gift of hospitality. True friends are like the arms of God giving you a hug. 🙂
    His blessings,
    Kim

    • Diane says

      You are such a positive and encouraging friend, Kim. 🙂 Big hugs!
      God is sooo good to use our friends to welcome us in. I never thought of it as His hug….but it surely is a warm and loving one.
      Blessings to you, my friend!
      ~Diane

  12. Jean says

    Happy Anniversary! I hope you find yourself well-rested soon and just know that great things are in store for you!

    • Diane says

      You are so kind, Jean. 🙂 Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. 🙂
      [hugs]
      ~Diane

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