leaving home

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify. Become a minimalist. This is a message we hear all the time especially from The Minimalists. I love these guys and their straightforward take on stuff.   

My parents, however, have never heard their message, seen their blog, or listened to their podcast. But after months of wrestling about how to grow old together with the least amount of impact to their family, they decided to leave their home of 46 years and simplify. The same home where they have been since I was 10 months old.

It was a decision that took two years of discussion, reviewing finances, visiting retirement communities, and lots of prayer. Out of necessity, they became minimalists.

They sorted through every room in their house, garage, and shed. It was days in each room making decisions over stuff. What should they take? What should they sell? What should they give away? My dad had a harder time letting go than my mom and he is the first to admit it. Forty-six years of memories were tied to that place.

My parents decision was the right one and their new community is so welcoming, but they had to trust God to carry them through. They had to move from a home they loved, through a time of mixed emotion filled with joy, sorrow, hope and fear. They were letting go and entering the unknown.

The God of the Old Testament is still the same God who is active today. Under many circumstances, God moved the Israelites from place to place. Whether they knew it or not, he gave them exactly what they needed to make it through.

“Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.” - Nehemiah 9:19-21

Just like the Israelites, God gives my parents exactly what they need to make it through. And He does the same thing for all of us.

Jim And Ginny

The photo is of my parents and where I grew up. As they let that house go, it was hard. That laughter you see between them is now longer, louder, and more often because they let it all go. Everyday isn’t perfect, but now, everyday their time is spent focused on each other and enjoying each moment.

You can make it through. Live with purpose. Enjoy your moments.

Searching for wisdom and asking for grace,

Jody