I don’t always think about this day, but today I did. July 3rd is the anniversary of my departure from my beloved island nation. Over 30+ years ago, I left the ‘Land of Wood and Water’ for the streets of the Big Apple.
In my limited thinking, my world had collapsed. Everything that meant anything to me was back there. I felt the rug was yanked from under my feet. That was all I had known and all I had wanted. Summer all year round, white sandy beaches, a people who always made you laugh, fruits for every season and all kind of reasons to love and be loved. Blooming where I was planted – I adored my students. Life was beautiful.
This night over 30 plus years ago was the first time that falling asleep didn’t come easy. I remember how the tears fell like rain. I think I might have resented God back then. This had not been part of the plan. My poor dad had no idea. He had just wanted a better life for his daughter – we certainly weren’t on the same page. I came from the generation where you just did what your parents said. Father knows best they said.
It took a number of years, but soon the picture became clearer. This was a new chapter and I needed to be at peace as the pages turned. I’ll always be a small town girl at heart. I still can’t do too much of the rat race – I do prefer the ease of a slower pace. There has been many July 3rds since that first day. I’ve since learned that beyond that open door – that one we resist, lies a whole world of possibilities. Releasing control is part of the journey of faith. I won’t always want to – but if I trust the Hand that leads, He will never lead me wrong.
This is the now. This July 3rd I choose to look back with gratitude. It is true that Father knows best. I couldn’t have written a better plot – with all its twists and turns. Every road I’ve traveled on, He has walked before me. And what a ride it has been! One never knows when one road may end or where another may begin. May you fall in love with the journey.
Letting Go
She shifted with the tides
Embraced the uncomfortable
Trusted the process
Endured the pain
In letting go
She was carried
Positioned on purpose
Called for such a time
Fought fear
Silenced the noise
Equipped and assigned
Destined for this
***Thanks for stopping by – “Life is a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” [Helen Keller]
Restored Hearts 
I’ve experienced that feeling of misplacement too–taken from a beloved community and transplanted in one where nothing is familiar. My husband was a pastor, assigned to six different congregations over the forty years he served. Three of those moves were particular painful. BUT! You are so right. God carried us through, he taught us important lessons, and helped us make the transition from discomfort to delight in each place. P.S. I LOVE the poem you shared at the end of your post, RH. Did you write it? I would have liked to have posted that on our fridge during those difficult transition days!
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Yes – I wrote that piece. I don’t know why we resist change so much – He always has the best plan.
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Letting go, her heart found God’s purpose, His love was her everything. Streams of wood and water, her soul swept by love’s crimson tide. Letting go, her heart and soul found its breadth, within the deepest part of her being! A lovely share!
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Much freedom comes with letting go indeed!
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Absolutely!
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Independence on and around the country’s Independence Day 😊.
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Yes indeed!
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