Family structures change. Job reorgs happen. And sometimes we need to move.
You wouldn’t think relocating from one part of the country to another should be that big of a deal. After all, it happens every day for many people across our country. However, moving from home to home can be draining, challenging, and depressing—all at the same time! It’s what some refer to as “the moving blues.”
But keep in mind, we’re not called to live our lives feeling blue and discouraged. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read this assurance, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This Bible verse shows us clearly that God knows our circumstances. He also knows of His own plans for us. We can feel hopeful in this truth—even as we’re stumbling through a maze of boxes in our new house.
We should not be surprised when what seemed like a God-ordained plan (a few years ago) has now changed course, leaving us feeling a bit out of sorts. The challenge is not to stay in a pit of despair about our new path. Rather, we need the Lord to lift us from gloom to gladness in anticipation for what He has in store for this next part of our journey!
5 Tips for a Happier Transition:
Be Prayerful
As soon as you know for certain your family will be moving elsewhere, begin talking to God about your concerns. Ask the Lord specifically to—
- Sell your current home quickly
- Guide you in finding your next home
- Bring about new friends for yourself (and your children) soon after moving
- Ease the emotional pain of leaving friends behind
In 1 Peter 5:7 we’re reminded to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This means we can acknowledge our inadequacy in handling this burden on our own and ask God to take it on His shoulders instead. He is always willing to do this because of His great love for us!
Be Watchful
Stay alert in looking for opportunities of involvement in your new community. Fitness centers, schools, and churches are great ways for adults to quickly get engaged with others and make new friends. Seasonal and other special events are always on these calendars! Remain open to all God has in store for you in your new setting.
If you have children who are making the move with you, look for opportunities where they can connect with kids their age. If your move happens during the summer months, there are normally camps galore for kids through churches and community centers. Stay in close conversation with your kids as they start making connections to help them keep the mindset of making good friends a priority. Healthy relationships are key to happier transitions!
Be Positive
You can be assured that God is with your family members through this time of transition. Praying for peace about your situation will help you remain calm and see the good side of this move. This will help you see the sights and sounds of your new surroundings in a positive light, allowing you to talk it up with your family. Search out some fun restaurants, activity centers, and parks in your new area to begin forming a list of new favorite places to visit.
Be Open
We are limited in how we understand life situations. We may think we’re moving for one reason (such as a new job), when God may need us there for a whole different purpose than what seems obvious to us. We simply never know all that the Lord has in store for us since His ways are mysterious for us to understand—as we read in Isaiah 55:8: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
Be Friendly
New relationships take time and work to form. This is true for adults and kids alike, but the payoff is always great! We all need friends to share our good times as well as the concerns in our hearts. So, stay open to the possibility of new relationships at school, business, and church. As much as you may feel alone right now—like nobody else cares or understands —there are people around you right now that do recognize your thoughts and feelings, and desire to help.
As you watch for God to smooth out the road map of transitioning to your new home (or job), don’t be surprised when your blues quickly turn to blessings—bigger than you could have imagined!