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July 28, 2018

Community, Rhythms, and Other Thoughts on Moving

And suddenly there were just four days left. Four days until I fill my car one last time and make the drive from Charlotte to Raleigh. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I had no idea what this Fall was going to hold and I thought that I would be packing a car bound for Illinois and grad school?

Community, Rhythms, and Other Thoughts on Moving

I’ve been laughing to/at myself for weeks thinking about how much of a wreck I would be if that was actually the path that God decided to keep me on. The amount of feelings and anxiety I’ve had about just simply moving 2.5 hours away? I can’t even imagine what that’d be like if I were moving 12 hours away. You’d find me rocking in a corner somewhere. But even that, like so much in these past few weeks/months, is something to rejoice in. Even though I felt so strongly just six months ago that my path was going to take me to Illinois, I love and serve a God who protected my heart through rejections and lovingly led me to this current path to Raleigh which was an answered prayer just two-ish years “late.” I used to pray and yearn for a way to make the Raleigh area my home just a couple of years ago and clearly, God’s plans were to make a way for me there much later than what I thought. Thank goodness for timing and plans that are not my own. I can’t help but believe that He knew that my heart just wasn’t ready for that massive of a change. He knew how much it would take for me to pick up and move 2.5 hours away. It’s been a recurring theme throughout my story and my walk with Him – He is constantly guiding me but hemming me in with His perfect peace and protection.

This past Wednesday was my last week with my small group and although I handled that day relatively well – I had some intense feelings about it leading up to it for sure. I’m not that much of an (outwardly) emotional person and yet I found myself breaking down a handful of times at the mere thought of leaving this incredible community I’d found after years of searching. But there is peace in knowing that though I may have only been called to this church/community for a season, He placed me into a family of friends that will be sustained for much longer.

As my time here in the Charlotte area winds down, I find myself looking forward to the creation and cultivating of new rhythms and routines in Raleigh. Carving out time to ease back into yoga, go for walks, maybe even finding a gym. But also planning out morning and evening routines that are fulfilling, not draining. My new work schedule will allow me to sleep in an extra 2-ish hours compared to my schedule at my old school so I am excited to see how that might allow me some extra time in the morning to ease into the day. Also, setting aside time to be intentional with meal planning/meal prep in a way that allows me to nourish my body the way it needs.

And lastly in this post of random thoughts, the song “Who You Say I Am” from Hillsong Worship has definitely become a sort of “anthem” these past few days/weeks. It has been the perfect reminder and declaration in this transitional season that God is for me, with me, and that I am exactly who God says I am – not what my own doubts and fears try to tell me I am.

Raleigh, I’ll see you soon.

Posted In: Real Talk · Tagged: Community, Life, Moving, North Carolina, Raleigh

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Hello! I'm Ashley - a girl who loves drinking coffee, being in the kitchen, and cultivating a life that truly nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Here you'll find stories of growth and grace. Of hope, joy, and learning to be bold in faith. I'm glad you're here!

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