To move or not to move... that has been the question

For a few months now we have been debating/praying and struggling with the decision of whether to move or not. There were several reasons for us originally wanting to move. The number one reason, more space. We are fine with the space we have now, but we both feel that with three boys, there may come a time when we will want a basement and a bigger backyard. It is a great time to buy right now so, we started looking... and of course, you look, you find. We prayed like crazy about it and eventually felt that God wanted us to pursue the house we had found. We got the house on a contingent offer, which meant we have to sell this one by the end of July! Then, the real work began. We packed up a,"pack rat," with three to four rooms worth of stuff, sent it away for a few months and then staged the house. It was then on the market for three months or so before any real action. We had plenty of showings, but no offers. As the days passed, we started becoming uncomfortable with the idea of moving and began doubting our decision. I was going crazy getting ready for showings and keeping the house tidy. I like my home to be clean but homey. It did not feel like home and it was getting to me and definitely getting to the kids too. However, we decided to stick to our plan until the end of July. We prayed continuously for God to make it clear. Then, the last day we had planned to have it on the market, an offer comes through. Not, only an offer but, after negotiations... exactly what we wanted. At this point, our new house contingency had ended (two days prior to be exact) so we had an offer and no house to move too. What to do now? I was so over it already, but truly felt that we could not ignore this offer because God has made it happen within our deadline? At this point, we were assuming we were staying and had begun a list of house "jobs," we would do if we stayed. So, we told the potential buyers we needed a week to think about it and find another house.

Then, after looking.... we actually found another house! We even liked it more than the house we had an offer on and at a better price. Amazing! We were nervous about moving now that we kind of wanted to stay, but once again... we thought this was certainly God saying..." You should move, but to this house instead!" So, negotiations began and ended quickly and easily. Another sign that we thought meant this was to be. All was set. That night, we discussed how we were still a little torn about it, but that we felt that God was capable of anything and that if he didn't want this to happen, he would make it clear. We even said," if he doesn't want us to move, he'll have the buyers back out or something?" We started getting boxes, talking to the boys about moving, telling neighbors and family... and so on. The weekend goes by and we are ready to start packing. Then, the buyers backed out... Really???? Seriously????

We went through another roller coaster of emotions, but in the end decided WE ARE DONE.... We have decided to stay and feel God has finally made it very clear. Phew.... as I wipe my brow, I have a smile on my face. I feel soo good about our decision and Jon and I instantly felt relief making the decision. We are excited to keep this house and make it the home we always wanted it to be. This process has stretched us and our kids. We have been reminded of what a wonderful place it is for so many reasons and how lucky we are. It forced us to re access our priorities and examine our future plans and goals for our little family. As a couple, we always desire to choose quality of life over house. We want to give back, travel and be able to feel financially comfortable. We feel that this house allows for all of that. Ahh... we are staying. Thank you God for sticking by us as always and showing us the way!!

The only bad thing.... the "pack rat," has to come back now... did someone say yard sale?