Today we hired a real estate agent to sell our house.
After deliberate and prayerful consideration, we know this is the right choice. We are at peace, even though our story does not yet have a happy ending.
It is very likely that by hiring an agent, we will lose every penny of equity we have in the house. It is very likely that we won't have enough money to move all of our belongings to Arizona and have enough left to put down on a new house. It is very likely that our family of six will move in with my parents until we can save enough for another down payment. It is very likely that the kids and I won't go back to Colorado, that the boys will attend school here in August, and that they will have to transfer schools when we eventually buy a house.
This isn't the way we thought things would happen. In fact, nearly everything has gone contrary to our plan. Making this move (or rather taking steps toward this move) has been a huge test of faith for us. On paper, none of this makes sense, and yet we are strengthened and comforted by the knowledge that we are doing what our Father in Heaven has asked of us. We don't understand why the way has been so hard, or why promised blessings have been delayed, but we know that in the end, things will work together for our good.
In January 1995, Dallin H. Oaks gave a BYU devotional address called "Adversity." Today I read the talk and highlighted several portions, including these phrases:
"The gift of moral agency empowers each of us to choose how we will act when we suffer adversity."
"Like the mortal life of which they are a part, adversities are temporary. What is permanent is what we become by the way we react to them."
"Our adversities can be the means of obtaining blessings unobtainable without them."
"I am sure that the skills and discipline and soul-power that result from overcoming the challenge of material shortages open the door for extraordinary blessings."
These statements give me courage when I am afraid of the unknown. They give me strength to face our financial challenges. They help me better understand how my current trials can be spiritually refining and lift me to a higher plane. These words help me see my struggles with new eyes and appreciate the blessings that are unfolding in spite of my unrealized expectations.
I think that one day I'll look back on this season of my life and marvel -- not only at the challenges, but at the growth and the blessings. Life is good.
13 comments:
I'm sorry that things are so hard right now! Way to be positive and optimistic through times of adversity!
Tough times, Heidi. We're in a similar situation, having left behind a home that we owed more on than what it could be sold for. We were prepared to take an offer $20k less than what we owed & pay that difference off with our savings as we stayed in an apartment but couldn't even get any looks at that price. We're now renting it out for $400 less each month than what we owe. Its hard to swallow, but we, like you, know that we are in the right place. Difficult times for lots of us right now, but it is so comforting to know that we are doing the right thing, despite the difficulties that have come with that situation. I hope you can get past this quickly & move on to easier times.
Hang in there...
i am so hearin' ya.....
i'm constantly reminding myself of that scrip: trust in the lord with all thine heart & lean not unto thine own understanding...in all thy ways acknowledge him & he will direct thy paths....................
you're doin' that. i strive for faith like yours....you are just awesome. ♥
Things will work out in time. Life is just a roller coaster. Hang in there.
You are a rock, Heidi! There's a light somewhere up ahead. Don't you love it when the Lord says, "OK, time to grow your faith!" Hang in there:)
I feel so excited for you! It must feel good to be doing *something*, moving forward. I hope this is a step in the right direction for you. Moving right now is so difficult. People are having to be creative (including us!) Something will work out.
Keep a hold to those feelings of peace. There are bound to be ups and downs. At least you have family that you can lean on. I really hope all of this happens super fast for you! We will miss you so much.
It is worth the price to place your unwavering trust in God. It's good to be tutored in how we can enjoy peace in turbulent times--that's a lesson that will pay big dividends in future days! I'm excited for your family--excited to see how things will unfold for you!
Not to lessen your trial, but the Lord knows you will be able to succor and help many who have gone through nearly the same thing, just as you have blessed me. Hang in there. The 'blessings' will come, but perhaps mostly in the form of a firmer rock of trust that the Lord cares and is in control of teaching you what He wants you to know. Love you, Heidi.
-Ramona
Heidi-
You are here in Arizona...surrounded by family and friends! Everything will be just fine- Keep the Faith!
Love you!
Hang in there. Your season of faith has been a long one, but it will end when it is right.
Good thing you are with family and surrounded by friends. Keep your chin up.
Thank God for the gospel and the peace it can bring! You are already so missed, but I know that you have had confirmation again and again that this is what is right for your family. Hopefully this step of hiring an agent, although frustrating, will help things move quickly so the next phase can begin!
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