Welcome back!
So, remember how in part 1, I mentioned that I had moved only once in my entire life, well, imagine the look on my face when I learned my friend, who’s by the way the same age as me, said she has moved for around 15 times. Fifteen times! Yikes. I can’t even imagine that. But, I guess now, frequent relocations are no longer strange occurrences.
In the past, most people were emotionally attached to their homes and refused to leave their place. The deep connection comes from seeing their kids growing up in that house, seeing the pencil marks they’ve made on the door frame marking their kids’ growth and thinking about all the happy family moments they’ve spent on the backyard patio. However, today with globalization opening new boundaries, forget about different cities, people are moving to different countries like never before. They are moving for better opportunities and even language is no longer a barrier. If I go by the U.S Census Bureau, apparently, the average American can move residences more than 10 times in his or her lifetime.
However, along with this new trend comes a wide range of challenges. Moving is considered by many to leave you adrift in what may very well be a promising and exciting new place but it sure isn’t a haven when it’s filled with cardboard boxes that need to be unpacked and an unfamiliar (if not hazardous with all the moving boxes) path to the toilet when you wake up in the middle of the night. If that isn’t enough, it can be way more annoying, expensive and difficult than what you expected and planned. So, I think I’d agree with experts saying that moving is as equally traumatic as a divorce or the loss of a loved one. And, yeah, I’d call that really stressful.
That’s the perspective of a homeowner. But, if you are a Christian like me, I think you cannot have the same fate as others. Instead of being overwhelmed by the emotional stress of moving, you should ask God to handle your moving process.
Before
Research Churches in the New Neighborhood
“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”
– From Matthew 18: 20
You are moving to a new area doesn’t mean you’ll stop going to church. If you know a Christian who’s been living there, ask him/her for a church recommendation. But, if you don’t know anyone, browse the net and make a list of some of the churches you would like to visit during your first few weeks in the new town.
Make Sure to Bring All Your Bibles, Biblical Journals, Etc.
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me…”
– From John 5:39
“Look in the scroll of the LORD and read…”
– From Isaiah 34:16
“…but the word of the Lord endures forever.”And this is the word that was preached to you.”
– From 1 Peter 1:25
The moment you know you are moving, the first things you think about packing is your clothing and shoes, artwork and picture frames, towels and linens, books, fine China dishes and other knick-knacks. But, don’t just pack away all your valuable items; make sure you have a place for all those materials that will help you continue your spiritual walk with God and which are certainly much more valuable.
Inform Your Current Church About Your Move
Just like with their homes, I know many are emotionally attached to their church. I know how hard it can be to say goodbye to all those with whom you have prayed and worshiped. If you have enough time and funds, you can organize a small picnic or dinner to say goodbye to each other and exchange ways to keep in touch.
