Pins and Needles!

Have you ever hoped something awesome would happen, then braced yourself so you wouldn’t be disappointed if it didn’t work out?   For me that’s a bit nerve-racking because I’ve been extremely idealistic all my life – always hoping for the best! But I do try to not be so idealistic in order to not be disappointed…

But this time it was different.

I couldn’t help but be excited and hopeful without reserve!

Since Gary stepped down from the pastorate two years ago here in New York City, he has been working with an upstart insurance company, mostly on the phone.  That’s pretty different from being the pastor of a church!  It has been rich and he has learned a great deal, but it’s not his passion.  That’s why this “awesome thing” that came up was exciting for me!

With the help and encouragement of a dear friend of ours, he saw a job opening at the American Bible Society that was a perfect fit for him, and applied for that position on May 1st.  He was given a written assignment to complete and return, which he did.  Then he awaited a response.  I was on pins and needles!

It was over two weeks later that they asked him to come in for a second interview.   It went well and he waited again.  He was told there were two others being interviewed as well.  This created a bit of curiosity in me to say the least. So once again, pins and needles!  I was on the edge of my seat!  The interview went well, he said, but still no word.

I found myself hopeful and prayerful at the same time.  I prayed that “God’s will would be done” but at the same time yearning for a “yes” to that position.  Remember, I’ve spent my life trying to not get too idealistic about things, but in this case, I just couldn’t help it! I also sensed a great deal of peace because I knew that either way, God would make it clear and we would live with whatever the outcome.  It’s important for me to trust Him in all things, even when I myself get in the way!

My life has been filled with needing to trust God for many things, especially the ones that are beyond my control.  And this was one of them.  Gary did his best at the interview and so we waited…

I was secretly on pins and needles once again.  I didn’t want to get my hopes up because often my heart gets broken, but it looked like Gary might get the job!  Then one day, five weeks after his resume submission, he received an email offering him the job!

Now What?

We had to switch gears.  Our move was to be in three short weeks and we had to find an apartment!  Reality set in.

More pins and needles, but these were new and exciting ones!  I love moving!  I suppose it’s because when we were missionaries we moved several times in those fifteen years. And during our fifteen years here in New York City, due to rent changes, etc., we have lived in four different apartments!  So moving is fun for me and I was excited to find a new home once again!

As I googled the Philadelphia area for one bedroom apartments, the first one that came up was an upstairs apartment that looked intriguing.  I am unable to use stairs due to my bilateral knee issues, so I asked the realtor if a downstairs apartment was available. She said the only one downstairs had just opened up but was a two bedroom.  The rent was the same as our current rent in NYC, so we said we’d take a look.  We stopped on our way to a retreat in Ohio and took our checkbook just in case.  Within 20 minutes of seeing the gated community of townhouses, the apartment, the huge yard with all the amenities, and a special parking space just for us (!), we were glad we’d taken our checkbook!  We signed and paid the processing fee right then and there!

What?  Could it be that easy?  No more pins and needs for me!

As we chatted with the realtor, she told us that the apartment opened up just days before my email because the folks who had rented it simply “changed their minds”.  Downstairs apartments are hard to come by in that complex, so this was definitely, in my opinion, a God-thing!  I am frequently pleasantly surprised by these sweet gifts God gives me from time to time!  And this one was sweeter than sweet!

Goodbye New York City

New York City is known for  not having washer/dryers in most of the affordable buildings or available parking anywhere on the street.  This new apartment has both and I cannot be more pleased and blessed about that!  By the way, walking in the snow or rain with 6 bags of groceries is also a “fun” thing to do here, but having to drive 10 minutes away for a light bulb or toilet paper might be an adjustment for us as well!  That’s because there’s a “bodega” on every corner here in the City!  So living away from NYC will have it’s adjustments I’m sure!

Living here has been an experience I’ll never forget!  I’ve personally been able to see life with different eyes and a clearer perspective than ever before.

New York has molded me for the better no matter the cost.

New York has changed my view of God’s immense love.

New York has given me a spiritual fervor and understanding of our basic human needs.

I’ve seen in NYC what God sees in His Creation.

It’s been an awesome journey  with its ups and downs, but a most fulfilling one.  I used to tell my kids when they were little that life had a way of making us “grow strong inside”, a phrase that has comforted me through some of the difficult moments during these fifteen years of life in NYC!  But there’s nothing like it and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

But now it’s time to leave.  I thank God for His perfect timing, and I’m sure there will be plenty of new adventures as we move forward.  May He take me by the hand and may I walk where He wants me to go in this next phase of my life with my loving husband Gary, who will most certainly be fulfilled and blessed in this new job experience!

I can’t wait!  Uh oh, there’s that idealistic personality coming through again!  I can’t help it, but I know Who can!  May I follow in His Footsteps and be used by Him in ways I am unable to see right now, all for His Honor and Glory!   Yep, I can’t wait!