I am pausing to reflect on life quite frequently these days.    I am guessing this has to do with the fact that July 1st marked the two year anniversary of our “big move” to Georgia leaving 28 years of Louisiana behind us.  As July 1st approached last week, the conversations between Chris and me kept steering towards the past two years.  It has been two years of steady growth, change, and surprises!

Moving from Baton Rouge was the hardest thing I have ever done.  We left the only city we ever lived in, we left both of our families, we left friends we have known for years, we left a culture that is part of our bones, and we left familiarity. The first year here was challenging.  There was so much to adjust too, so many new things to learn.  Chris and I had to learn to lean on each other in an entirely new way.  Suddenly, it was just us.  We did not have parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to lean on and help us raise our children.  We knew no one.  There were days and nights that I cried my eyes out.  There were some days that I was just angry at the world.

The entire time during the first year of transition, things were happening –new friends were being made, new opportunities arose, a new city became more familiar, a child slowly developed within me.  So often, I did not notice all the new beginnings because I was so wrapped up in missing the old and familiar.  Two years later as I reminiscence on “the big move” I am overwhelmed with joy.  Abby is in our life now.  Chris and I have a stronger marriage and a real understanding of what the term partnership means.   We have grown as a family of four.  We have new friends here while continuing to grow old friendships.  We still get to see and talk to our family.  Our lives have been enriched by the physical surroundings of living within a town with a more agricultural life-style by providing space and a reason to slow down.  Professionally, Chris and I are both involved in things that we are passionate about.

God has surprised me once again! I realize that I am no longer just making it here, but I am living here and enjoying every minute of it.  Slowly new life unfolded for us here in directions we never dreamed of with people I never thought I would have the joy of sharing our lives with. I am reminded once again of how together… God and me…we can make it through anything together!

Has there been a moment in your life when you were surprised to see the fruits of change?  (Perhaps, you are in that moment now.)
As you reflect on the period of transition, where do you see the slow unfolding of surprises?
Take a moment to thank God for being with you through that transition and guiding you as you (and your family) made decisions.

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.