There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere
by Mia Cronan
http://MainStreetMom.com 

When there is nothing to do but wait, we can listen. 
And maybe we can hear. 

One pretty spring day earlier this year, I arrived home from my daughter's piano lesson to find my husband home early from work, with a huge grin on his face. He had been offered a position that he really wanted, but he wasn't sure if he should take it. Accepting this position would require us to move 12 hours away, putting us much further away from both of our families. But, the job was such a great opportunity, and a piece of the career pie that he really needed to get the job that he wants down the road.

The decision was not too hard to make. Of course, he should take the job. He would be happier in his work, and there was more growth potential than in his previous job. So, he called the next day and accepted the offer. He was to start the Monday after Easter Sunday...less than two weeks away. He left at 2 A.M. on Easter, and drove 12 hours to a new state, where we would make our new home. The compensation package was right and the relocation expenses would be paid. The new company wouldn't be able to buy our home, however, since my husband was a new-hire.

Our home was put on the market, the sign went in the ground, and I started going through closets to rid the house of anything that might be perceived as clutter, in order to create roomier storage. I contacted our daughters' schools, piano teacher, and our church to let them know of our pending move. I started saying goodbye to friends that I knew I would not be seeing over the summer anyway, because of vacations, etc... As soon as the house sold, we would be on our way to our new life!

That was almost six months ago, and our children and I are still here in our old house. The sign still sits in the yard. We've spent a chunk of money on fixing up the annoying little things that should have been fixed all along but were not, for one reason or another. And we installed a new roof and a new furnace, air conditioning system, and water heater. We've had seven open houses. We've reduced the price five times. People have come through and commented on how lovely it is, but a buyer has not surfaced. I've done the dog and pony show, making the house a regular Martha Stewart showplace with fresh-cut flowers, scented candles and fresh-baked goodies, while concurrently trying to raise four small children in it. Where I was at one time concerned that the girls would not be able to finish out the school year here, I now have them re-enrolled after telling the principal we were leaving. 

No, the real estate market in this area is not in a slump; new constructions are selling like hot cakes, in fact.

Being Catholic, we have buried a statue of St. Joseph in the front yard, and the kids and I have ensconced ourselves faithfully at the kitchen table to say the corresponding novena. We have had scores of people tell us that a home sale for us is in their prayers. 

My sleep is interrupted regularly with the question, "Why?" Why are we still here? Why can't we be together? Why is our home, which has been a beautiful haven and a place of love for us, still on the market? 

In my heart of hearts, I know that God is working on me right now. I'm just too numb and tired to see the lesson in it. 

Is it a lesson in not being a control freak? That's possible, because, had I any control over the situation, we would be well settled into a new home in our new state, with the kids getting involved with new friends and school activities, the stress of moving merely a distant memory for us all. It's been quite a long road for me, knowing that the outcome depends solely on someone other than myself. I've had to "let go" of the reins and humbly give them over to God. 

Is it a lesson in patience? That's a possibility, too. Patience is not my long suit. When I see something on the horizon, why should I have to wait for it? Why can't I have it now? Time's a-wastin.

Is it a lesson in love? Perhaps this is teaching us to love each other and appreciate each other more, since we're forced to be apart. Maybe this is how we learn that our marriage, our commitment, and our promise are bigger than the two of us individually. 

Or is this simply a lesson in being quiet and listening? When there is nothing to do but wait, we can listen. And maybe we can hear. Maybe the lesson is in all of those things above. Perhaps this is God's way of saying, "This seems to be the only way to get you to slow down and let Me run the show." I only hope when all is said and done, and we're safely together under the same roof again, that the lesson remains with me always...whatever it is.

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