Packing...I have been through this process before.  This is the fourth time in less than two years.  I am looking forward to this move the most.  I have the Lord's blessing in this.  But there is another differerence that I am just now putting my finger on.

I just spent almost a week in Europe discovering who I really am and what is important in my life.  It was a wonderful time of reflection and I went without several of the simplicities of life in the states.  I saw how much I packed to take over and realized that I needed a fraction of it after all.  I came home determined to be more appreciative of the little things. 

So, here I am up to my eyeballs in boxes realizing that I am WAY over my head with this "packing" venture.  I have so much stuff!  I have thought about just leaving everything and starting over.  Not financially feasible.  I have thought about throwing up my hands and not moving at all.  Not emotionally or mentally feasible.  Then I talked with a very dear friend and I am reminded of the real reason I am moving.  I am reminded of that intestinal fortitude that I do possess, inherited from my German roots.  I have been doubly blessed with boldness and courage: heritage and experience. 

So, again.  Here I am surrounded by all of the material blessings and I choose to make the decision to press on, full-force, and prove to myself that I can, indeed, make this happen.  I will not let the Lord down by giving up now.  I will spend endless evenings placing my belongings in boxes and recalling all the memories that are associated with them.  I will take mornings and afternoons making sure that all of the necessary arrangements are made.  I will not close my eyes until a list is made of all the things that are needed to be done is written out.

I am still learning.  I am learning that my life will never be the same.  I am still experiencing.  I am experiencing the strength and mercies of the Lord that are renewed every day.  I am still praying.  I am still praying that I can be everything that He has created me to be.  I am still discovering.  I am discovering that the new life He is calling me to holds so much more than I ever dreamed or imagined.    I am so excited about my new life!