A Half-Acre of Paradise

Sometimes life can turn around from glum to fun in a little less than 3.2 seconds.  It is said that "Great doors swing on small hinges."  Indeed, large events or issues occasionally do turn on seemingly small causation.

A few weeks ago, after diligently looking for a place for us to move to as our retirement spot; I finally decided to just let it go for awhile.  I was, to be candid, discouraged with the whole process.  It was not like I had expected to strike gold with the first swing of my pick; but neither had I planned to dig and dig and dig only to continually come up empty.

Nevertheless, after two years of intermittent house-hunting, and walking through more than twenty homes (not counting the dozens I had viewed on line and had done the whole "virtual tour" thing) we were no closer to finding a landing spot than when we began the search.

I say "we" meaning "me" because the LOC* had made it clear that this was to be my quest.  He would support my efforts, carry my spear and chalice when necessary, but I was to be the Donnetta Quixote in this little adventure, and I could tilt at as many potential windmills as suited my fancy.  Just don't drag him around from windmill to windmill; because they all looked pretty much alike to him. (*Lovable Old Coot)

For those readers who do not put much stock in spiritual guidance, you may choose to discount this next part, and that is okay.  But for those readers who have been visiting with me for awhile, you know I am a pretty sensible person, who does not tend toward the ethereal.  In other words, I am a down-to-earth realist with a decidedly pragmatic bent.

But I also believe God listens when we pray, and when it is in our best interest, He can and will move things along when we have hit the wall.

So a few weeks ago, after another disappointing visit to walk through two more houses, I was praying about our relocation desires.  Subsequent events (my son's illness and emergency surgery) have reinforced how necessary it is for us to move closer to this area.  So one evening a few weeks ago I decided to "let go and let God", as they say in the Midwest.

And I felt impressed that God was telling me that if I would just trust his timing, I would not have to go looking any further, but He would "bring something to me."  I was tired, discouraged and too worn out to argue with him anyway, but I actually felt good peace about it.  So I stopped looking. Didn't read the real estate section of the papers.  Didn't log on to Zillow each week for updates.  Nothing.

Last Saturday I got a phone call from a lady I had met exactly once.  She told me about a house that she though might be what I was looking for.  You can guess the rest.

The next day I walked through it, made an offer, and we opened escrow today. :)  :)  :)  Color me happy, grateful, and just about over the moon with anticipation.

We have bought our retirement home, on a half acre of pine and fir trees, in a semi-rural area, but near enough to town and shopping to be convenient.  A half acre may not sound like much to those outside of California, but out here they sell land by the half-inch, so a half acre, at approximately 2500 ft. elevation in the foothills where they have four seasons and that small town feel - paradise.  And it was priced affordably!  Amazing.

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Hope your plans are coming along tonight; but if you are feeling a little stuck in your spot, I am praying Someone greater than you and me will open a door to your own half-acre of paradise, whatever that may be.  Blessings to you - Marsha