July 2, 2012

Gifts of Change

 Last week was a monumental life changer for us.  We packed all of our earthly belongings and moved into temporary housing.  Saying goodbye has always been hard for me.  When I was a little girl, my family moved several times; and each time was hard for this sentimental girl.  So many memories are wrapped within the walls of the places we call home.  Over the course of the last week I had time to say goodbye to each room of my home as I cleaned every square inch  and prepared for the new owners.  As I cleaned, I prayed for the new family that would live life here and gave thanks for the treasure trove of memories that took place there.  Bittersweet indeed.

On Thursday morning, we awoke in our new temporary home to a wonderful gift.
 Nothing says "welcome to the neighborhood" like homemade cinnamon yeast rolls waiting on the front porch.  It was such a precious gift and another reassurance that we are doing the right thing.

We have fervently prayed over the new homeowners since they will be neighbors to my parents.  I  specifically prayed for a sweet family.  On the day of the closing, it was such a joy to get to meet the family and realize that my prayers had been answered.  To start their journey off right in their new home, I left this little gift on the counter:
 Inside the card I wrote:
May each new SEASON in your new home be filled with love and happiness

Within the basked I packed a spring candle,  fall pumpkin butter, a summer plant and beach ball and a winter slush puppie snack.  By the way, a wintery gift was hard to find on a 105 heat index day, hence the slush puppie  ;)
It was such a fun little gift to put together.  I hope it makes their move to a new city and home a welcome change.


7 comments:

Kellie said...

That is so sweet. I know they will appreciate your kindess in many ways. Oh, how bittersweet for you. No looking back now... onward to what the Lord has in store at the farm!! :)

KR said...

Oh my goodness, what a precious welcome gift you left! This made me tear up. (Tear, as in sniffle sniffle and not tear, as in tear me off a paper towel). I bet that will confirm for them, too, that this was the right decision for them. I pray they will be a blessing to your sweet parents, as I'm sure your parents will be to them. Bless you guys.

Anonymous said...

Such a perfect gift for your new home owners. I am looking forward to following along your new adventure.

Unknown said...

Gretchen, I love your thoughtfulness even in your leaving your dear home. You are such a lovely person. I know they enjoyed the gift. Blessings to you as you continue your transition!

Little Oak Table said...

you are so precious, that is such a thoughtful gift!!!

i totally understand those sad feelings of moving, it's like grieving a loss. i'm praying peace for your family during the transition!

emily bennett said...

how sweet of you to not only clean your home top to bottom to welcome it's new family, but what a precious gift basket! no doubt that family will feel the love of Christ that emulates from you and your family in everything you do.

Erica Layne | Let Why Lead said...

That is the sweetest thing! Not only leaving them a gift but also praying for them!