Thirteen seventy-six, my address for 14 years. Funny how when I first realized that it was going to be my new address, insecurities flooded my mind. I thought, I can't have an address with the unlucky number 13 and I sure can't have the number 76. That is the year I married only to end in a divorce. Isn't it funny how thoughts like this enter your mind. That was my thoughts 14 years ago. But, I knew without a doubt that God had blessed me with the house at that address even if the numbers seemed a little ironic. I love how my Father God has a sense of humor.
It was funny how I thought about that after all these years, but what made me think of it was, I met with a realtor yesterday to finally put my house up for sale. I thought it wasn't going to happen. But, it did and wow what a huge step it was. After she left, memories flooded my mind. What a journey this has been...
I divorced when I was 40 years old and had an 11 year old son. My daughter left for college that year. Because of the divorce, I sold the house that my husband and I had together and then the search began to find a new house to live in. I looked frantically for years for a house to buy. There was always something not right with each one; they were too big, too small, too new, too old. The houses that were in-town were old and I was afraid that it would be difficult for a single person to keep an older home up. So, I searched out of town but then realized I was afraid to live too far out. So, until I could find something to buy, I rented. My first new home was a trailer. I moved furniture from a 1700 square foot house to a single-wide trailer. Interesting to say the least. A little tired of living in a trailer, I moved to a quaint little house. Old but very cute. Several things were wrong with it though, one it had an old gas heater that was very expensive and two the house was located on a major highway. My son always said that we lived in the pink house. Oh well, it had to do until other doors were opened. I continued to pray and wait, but I continued to search too.
Then, 5 years later, I got an unexpected phone call from a friend of mine that knew I had been looking for a house to buy. I can still hear her voice today. "I think I know of the perfect house for you." Well, she was right. It was and it has been for 14 years. As always, God has the perfect plan for us if we just wait on Him.
God knew how many bedrooms that I needed. He knew what neighborhood I needed to be in. He knew what size lot I needed. He has always known. It could not have been more perfect. A newer house with vinyl siding (easy to take care of) and in town where I felt safe. . He even threw in a few extra perks. It was close to my son's school, where he spent so much of his time, actively involved in sports; football and baseball and about one mile from the school that I taught in for 31 years. So we moved into 1376 where we celebrated my son's 16th birthday.
My son and I enjoyed this house. He painted the walls of his bedroom the school colors of North Carolina, none other than Tar Hill blue and I filled the house with fruit of the Spirit decor. The church gave us a housewarming and we annointed the door post with oil and dedicated it back to the Lord. I'm positive that guardian angels have always stood guard of our home.
I watched my son leave for college and I in turn went to get my three grandchildren all in the same day. I raised them in this house off and on for about a year. My granddaughter was not even a year old at the time. God gave me a wonderful neighbor to help. She so graciously helped babysit my grand kids for me during this difficult time. She understood what I was going through and she was there for me. She prayed for me and my family.
Then seven years later. God gave me my husband. The perfect help-mate for me in so many more ways than I can share. ( And who knew he was a carpenter too.) He added a back porch to the house. A place where we could enjoy outside dining, cozy back yard fires, and early morning coffee and bird watching. We have lived in this house together for seven years. (A lot of sevens.) Yes and all by design. The number seven means perfection. Maybe not perfection in outward appearance. But, total perfection in my heart and life.
I love this house. I love all the memories that are in each room and even on the back porch.(I even love my hammock outside that inspired this blog) I have cried and pleaded with God in this house. I have laughed hard and loved much and I give everything that I am today back to my loving Father God. I give Him my exuberant joy and I give Him all the pain that helped me grow into the person that I am. He made it all happen. I give Him all praise, honor, and glory.
It is time to move into the next chapter of my life. I have no idea what that is. I'm just doing what I feel He has put in my spirit; He is saying, "Step out and let go." I trust Him. He has never let me down.
Living Loved,
Sammie Jean
