We’re moving house in a week and, despite us upsizing, I’m finding myself giving more and more stuff away, decluttering and shedding old versions of our life which don’t fit anymore. I remember arriving at this house and unpacking all this stuff that I just didn’t care about, or even want. It was stressful and brought me down as I felt overwhelmed by all we owned. I just wanted to set it all on fire and start afresh!
While we will have more room in the new place for all our stuff, I’m still keen to only really take things that we love, use and need. Plus I’m aware that we will most likely fill the space we live in, no matter what size it is. That happens, doesn’t it? Just as I’m giving away books, I’m spotting new books I want to own. As I’m passing on old toys, there are other ones I think the kids would love. It often seems we declutter not to have less stuff, but to make room for new stuff.
We’re in an odd season because we’re moving into a house that I would LOVE to be a “forever home” but we’ll most likely only be in it for three years. Then we’ll move off again, probably to a different part of the country. Such is clergy training life.
So while we’re in this house that we would never be able to afford to buy, I don’t want to take it for granted! It is a huge privilege and gift to have it for however long we stay there. I have hopes and dreams for this house which I’m really excited about, and I pray God will use it and us for His glory.
It’s going to be an exciting few years with Sam working as a curate, Caleb starting school and Bethany and Lily growing into energetic, inquisitive, hilarious toddlers, then preschoolers.
My plan is to stay at home until the girls start school, at which point I may look for a job. But, as we all know, God laughs at our plans (“let’s decide to only have two children”), so these next few years will probably look like me (and all of us) discovering what life looks like in this new season; holding things loosely, trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness.
I’m looking forward to updating you with how I manage a five bedroom house with a massive garden, with three small children running around. It might be a disaster, but we’re sure to have lots of fun on the way!