Boat days…

In bygone days — before travel by airplane became the norm — moving from one part of the world to another was done by ship. These journeys took weeks or even months. Not like the fast-paced travel we’re so accustomed to these days. Such a journey was fraught with numerous challenges, especially if one was prone to sea-sickness.

And yet there was a significant advantage that our modern era misses out on, namely the advantage of time. Time to adjust to no longer being in familiar surroundings. Time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Time to process the myriad of emotions that accompany goodbyes, moving, facing an unknown future. Time to rest. Time to prepare mentally for the next chapter of life.

My husband and I are currently having what a friend described as our boat days.

We intentionally moved out of our home ten days prior to our departure (by plane — not by boat!) to our home country. We did this so that we would have time… Time to begin the adjustment process of leaving what has become familiar to re-engaging with what was once known but now different. Time to reflect on the past years — 46+ since we first left our home country — and contemplate what the future may look like. Time to process SO very many emotions as we’ve been saying goodbye to dear friends, to familiar places, to life and a lifestyle that will be redefined soon. Time to catch our breath and get much needed rest. Time to take long walks and talk about what has been and what will possibly be.

Yes, our boat days have been much-needed. A definite blessing.

And yet it struck me earlier today that in a sense we’re now homeless. Some of our belongings have already preceded us to our home country; others (four suitcases full — and I mean FULL!) will accompany us when we fly out next week. We don’t yet have a permanent home. That’s one of the things we’ll be figuring out in the coming year. So we’re in this crazy in-between time of no longer calling here “home,” not having a “home” to move into, not being sure where “home” is.

A recent song I’ve been listening to has been a balm to my soul during this time.

In His presence I’m home again.
My soul finds rest.
My soul finds friend.

In His Presence: Be Still and Know by Praise & Bars

In His presence I’m home again.

In God’s presence… I’m already home! And so where I am geographically, whether or not I’m in a house or apartment or camping in the wilds, whether or not I feel or am homeless… I’m actually already home! And because God never changes, will never give up on or forsake me, and is always faithful and looking out for my good I can rest in knowing that all will be well. All IS well.

And that, dear friends, is how I intend to continue having joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”