Well it’s actually happening. Wednesday I drove up to Richmond where I had lunch with Naomi and the grandkids; then I drove David and Beks to Wake Forest while their parents finish off the task of prepping for the movers.
When we drove by the “Welcome to North Carolina” sign they both shouted, “Goodbye Virginia!” and the next leg of their adventure was well under way.
“If moving away from Richmond wasn’t difficult,” Naomi told me, “then it would mean we hadn’t done a great job of living here.”
I understand exactly what she is saying. They have invested themselves in the neighborhood, the city, their workplaces, and their church, building meaningful relationships that run deep and true. It is hard to let go of such an authentic experience of community. But our daughter lives with enthusiasm, commitment, and passion, and she doesn’t waste a moment. It has become the calling card of their family: Naomi, Craig, David, Beks.
So today, while the packers are working with Naomi, and Craig is tying up loose ends his last day at Trader Joe’s in Short Pump, the children are enjoying a no-school vacation day or two. Beks is studying the bird book to see what feathered friends she can expect to see in Miami (there will be a wide variety) and David is assembling a new Lego project.
So my prayer for today is that Naomi’s family will not only experience peace and assurance, but be caught up in a sense of excitement, adventure, and anticipation.
As for the grandparents? Well we’re going to enjoy them while we have them, try not to cry too much, and keep our eyes open for cheap flights and quick expeditions to South Florida.
Here is the first of many parting benedictions. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26).
In love, and because of love – DEREK
Beautiful and poignant and inspiring, simultaneously. Prayers to all of the Mauls during this transition – and beyond!
Derek,
Tell them to try a Flanagan’s restaurant if they want to eat out. We tried it in Miami and they have great food and are very kid friendly. I think they have several in the area.
Hi Derek and Rachel,
After 49 years in Tampa, 41 in the same home, we moved to Greer, SC. I like Naomi’s words about leaving a place where there roots went deep. We had those same feelings leaving FHPC and all our friends.
However, we’re making new ones. We rented while house hunting. Moving a second time Feb. 28th into our new home in Travelers Rest. We have daughter and 3 college age grandson’s 40 minutes away. Our son and 4 grands 11 down to 6 years of age in Boseman, Mt. Long plane ride.
Blessings,
Reg
I need to take Rebekah to Bozeman one day. I spent a winter there one year… beautifulplace
Derek, it is indeed hard to let go and “let God.” When we decide to live according to His will, we allow for whatever He needs. My aunt recently had to watch her daughter, son-on-law, and grandkids pack up and leave Houston for Austin. The “drop buys” and quick “Let’s meet for lunch” opportunities go away, to be replaced by filling the gas tank, clearing the calendar, and hitting the interstate for a visit. As cliched as it sounds, sometimes it’s better to avoid “goodbye,” and instead say, “See you later.” God’s ways are not our ways, nor are God’s plans necessarily something we would have chosen on our own. God bless you and your family.
When I left England in 1975 I set in motion this love for the world and adventure – so in 2006 our son moved to Italy, then Uzbekistan, now Germany. So Miami… it was inevitable!
It was hard when our daughter’s family (boys were 3 and 4) moved to Connecticut. I told they couldn’t go unless they found a house with a guest room. They did!