Empty house...

We have one. Not completely empty, as we still live here. Now that all our stuff is making it's way to our new locale, we're living with a jumbled mess of randomness. Camp chairs adorn our living room, and our dining room table fills that area. I think they match nicely... though I like to imagine what people touring our home think. I've decided they must think at least one of these things: we're squatting; we bought a home that was way too expensive and couldn't afford to furnish it; or they've been in the same place, and recognize my attempts at staging a home with the left-overs.

My fears about this time frame included the idea that my Sohl-son and little SohlGal would not have enough to do. Thankfully, I was again mistaken. Not only have they found creative ways to entertain themselves with foam plates, toilet paper, and the power button on a 19" TV, but a sweet friend lent us a basket full of toys to ensure hours of entertainment.

We've been blessed by various friends with other necessary items, including dishes and home-cooked meals, beds, and linens. We're prayed for all the way around, and it's forcing my usually-cynical outlook to change for the better.

Though our house feels empty, my heart is full - of gratitude, of love, of humility, and of some sadness at the idea of leaving this place where God's shown me the importance of making "an ask" of myself. And while I won't say it's easy, it's more common for me to ask and know that it blesses another, than it is for me to feel guilt and an emptiness like I had before.

So as I sit and gaze at a photo from a going-away party given by two close friends, I thank Jesus for bringing us here, and pray that no matter where I sit, I remember this feeling, so far from emptiness.