The quiet hum of the afternoon is a canvas for reflection. With windows open, letting in the gentle symphony of birdsong, a profound sense of peace settles over me. Having just navigated a morning of grocery shopping, experimenting with a new recipe, and tackling a mountain of dishes – with more still awaiting – I felt an undeniable pull to sit down and write. It’s in these serene moments, when the world outside seems to pause, that an ultra-reflective mood often takes hold.
So, I nestled into our front room, computer in lap, bathed in the soft glow and exquisite aroma of what truly feels like the best smelling candle ever. With a bowl of salsa nearby, I gaze out at the world, overwhelmed by a feeling of immense blessing. This particular afternoon carries a special weight, marking exactly one year since we made Michigan our home. It’s a surreal feeling to finally stand in a season where the intricate tapestry of the past six years is starting to reveal its divine design.
From Minnesota Roots to Uncharted Territories
Our story began in the familiar embrace of Minnesota, where Ryan and I both grew up in the same city, even attending high school together. After graduating from college, our lives rapidly converged: we married and embarked on a significant move, all within the span of a single summer. Before the idea of moving to Illinois ever surfaced, I was certain I would never leave my beloved home state. I never envisioned myself as one of “those people” who ventures far from the place they were raised. Yet, life, as it often does, had a different plan.
God orchestrated our path to central Illinois, where Ryan pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry. This wasn’t just a geographical shift; it was the beginning of an entirely new chapter, one that would challenge our perceptions of home, comfort, and personal growth in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.
The Illinois Chapter: Five Years of Growth and “Survival Mode”
We spent five pivotal years in Illinois while Ryan dedicated himself to graduate school. Looking back, that period was an intense crucible of growth. It was where we learned the intricate dance of married life, navigating cohabitation for the very first time. It was where we experienced the bittersweet reality of being away from our families, forging independence far from familiar support systems. This season also thrust us into the bewildering “AHHH, what am I going to do with my life?” phase that often follows college, a time rife with uncertainty and the daunting task of figuring out careers, identities, and our place in the world.
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects was learning how to make “adult” friends – a skill entirely different from the easy friendships of youth. I often reflect on how profoundly grateful I am that we were blissfully unaware of the true difficulties that lay ahead when that season began. It felt like an endless cycle of busyness, particularly for Ryan with his demanding academic schedule. We now recognize that for five years, we were largely operating in what felt like “survival mode.” So many dreams, aspirations, and even simple desires were placed on hold, always with the unspoken promise of “we’ll just have to wait until after grad school to do that.”
We constantly postponed leisure activities, travel, and even deep dives into new hobbies, believing a clearer, less demanding future awaited. This deferral of immediate gratification, while necessary for Ryan’s academic pursuits, created a pervasive sense of waiting. We were living for a future moment, rather than fully embracing the present. The exhaustion was often profound, a constant undercurrent beneath the surface of our daily lives.
However, that challenging season was absolutely indispensable. It forged us, refined us, and, most importantly, prepared us to deeply appreciate the season we find ourselves in now. While our current life is still undeniably busy, there’s a distinct difference: we now possess the agency to choose how we fill our time. We’ve been able to explore new hobbies, delve into new learning experiences, and finally, after years of intense academic pressure, we truly feel like “normal” people again, free from the omnipresent weight of grad school.
We are profoundly thankful for the lessons learned and the resilience gained during our Illinois years, but our gratitude for this current experience in Michigan is equally immense.
A New Horizon: Finding “Home” in Michigan
It has been nothing short of incredible to witness God’s hand at work in helping us establish meaningful friendships here in Michigan. It’s a stark contrast to our experience in Illinois, where it probably took us a good three years to reach a similar level of community and belonging. Today, marking our one-year anniversary in Michigan, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for how quickly the Lord has made this place feel like home.
There’s an undeniable feeling that this is exactly where we are meant to be. This sentiment might surprise our friends back in Illinois, who can certainly attest to my initial reluctance to move here. The idea of yet another relocation, another new beginning, felt daunting. But through a gentle yet persistent nudge, the Lord truly softened my heart, shifting my perspective and opening me to the possibilities awaiting us here. It was a profound reminder that His ways are better than my ways, and His foresight far surpasses my own limited vision.
Embracing the Present: A Season of Rest, Growth, and Rooting
Not every season of life is designed for rest; some are undoubtedly meant for striving, for pushing boundaries, and for enduring challenges. But in this current chapter, I feel a clear, whispered message: “Rest. Grow. Root yourself in Me, because the next season is coming.” It’s an invitation to pause, to recover from the intensity of the past, and to deeply nourish our spirits and relationships. This period feels like a precious gift – a time to intentionally slow down, to enjoy the fruits of past labors, and to build a strong foundation for whatever lies ahead.
This command to “root” ourselves is particularly resonant. It speaks to establishing deep connections within our community, solidifying our spiritual walk, and cementing our sense of belonging in this new home. It’s about more than just settling; it’s about investing, becoming integral, and creating a stable base from which future endeavors can spring. This newfound stability and peace are not just a reward; they are a preparation.
The anticipation for what the next season holds is palpable. While I have no idea what shape it will take, there’s an exciting sense of wonder and trust. Having witnessed God’s guiding hand through such significant transitions and challenges, I am confident in His continued faithfulness. We’ve learned that each season, whether difficult or restful, serves a purpose in our journey of growth and discovery. This quiet afternoon, filled with gratitude and reflection, truly feels like a sacred pause, a moment to breathe deeply before embracing the unfolding story of our lives.