As a Navy Brat, I grew up very close to my immediate family. My lil brothers, mom and dad were my best friends. As an adult, I’m still very close to them. The only difference is there are 800 miles between my parents, baby brother, nephew and I; and over 3,000 miles between my middle brother and I.
I am very blessed to have a husband that ensures I see my parents and/or brothers 1-2 times a year.
In the early years of our marriage, I had a very difficult time being far apart from my family. I was not a good example of “leaving and cleaving.”
I now realize that God has me living away from them for a reason. If I lived too close, I personally would have a very difficult time being the wife I am called to be. I would want to see my parents every day, and my home would surely be in disarray. My marriage hanging on by a thread, if that.
What I used to see as my greatest struggle, I now see as the blessing God provided.
There are some hard days, right now I miss them and am very homesick. It is times like this that God brings to mind FFH’s song “Follow Love”
My love is here. I must go and follow him.
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Annie Kate
January 24, 2013 at 8:21 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, God often works that way, doesn’t He? It reminds me to be patient with my current circumstances.
I linked to a review of The Reunion, a lovely book full of joy, inspiration, and teaching. Great for children as well as parents.
simplyhelpinghim
January 25, 2013 at 5:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It is amazing how He works! It is in the dark that I must remind myself of all the good things He has blessed me with in the past dark times. Thank you for stoppin by and linking up! Blessings!
Judith at WholeHearted Home
January 23, 2013 at 5:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I grew up far from grandparents and aunts and uncles…and my children were blessed to see their grandparents once a year for a few days. My family lives around 1000 miles away or a brother overseas. We have had reunions every two or three years (over the years) and that has been wonderful. Thanks for the linkup.
simplyhelpinghim
January 25, 2013 at 5:36 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Being far away from home makes it difficult to have relationships I am finding. I miss the closeness we used to have that isn’t there so much anymore. Thanks for linkin up 😉 Blessings!
Mia
January 23, 2013 at 12:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You have all my sympathy, for I used to be exactly the same. But, over the years, by the grace of our Pappa God, I have learned to make Him the focus of my life. Hang opinion there, it does get easier!
Much love
Mia
simplyhelpinghim
January 25, 2013 at 5:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, it is getting easier. Though it is taking lots of time. I am thankful for God showing me what good is coming from the distance from my family. Thank you for your encouragement! Blessings!
Shell
January 23, 2013 at 11:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Never thought about it like that. I live far from home as well.
simplyhelpinghim
January 25, 2013 at 5:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, it isn’t something you typically think of. God spoke this to my heart, and I try and remind myself that He is working in me when I am feeling lonely. Thank you for stoppin by! Blessings!
Kathleen
January 23, 2013 at 10:33 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Air Force Brat here – although my family was very disfunctional we are close – well some of us are but I live a long way – I think over 800 miles from my mom and closest sister. My husband grew up in a small farm community so that was really different for me. My kiddos grew up with grandparents 4-miles away! I miss my family but I miss two of my grown kiddos, one in NYC and one is LA – I’m stuck in the middle! Bless You!
simplyhelpinghim
January 25, 2013 at 5:43 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yes, miles and miles between. My parents are in the middle between home (Texas) and me. It makes a nice stop when we’re heading back home 🙂 Blessings sis!
Mrs. Sarah Coller
January 23, 2013 at 10:00 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Blessings to you today, Misty! Thanks for the encouraging post and the linkup!
Sarah
Falen
January 23, 2013 at 8:32 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I, too, in the beginning of our marriage was not a good example of “leaving and cleaving,” especially when hubs joined the military and moved us 700 miles away from home. I was a wreck. But, God took that and created me into something I never could have been had I stayed. Sometimes it’s hard, but God always knows what He is doing, doesn’t He! 🙂 Happy Wednesday, Misty!
Falen
Auntie Em
January 23, 2013 at 8:25 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks again Misty for another weekly linkup! Hope you get a good FaceTime visit with your family to scratch your itch! 800 miles– that’s tough!
simplyhelpinghim
January 25, 2013 at 5:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We have our next vaca scheduled 😉 I have 2 months to go and then I get almost a week with my mom, dad and Lord willing my nephew as well! Blessings Auntie Em!
Virginia Knowles
January 23, 2013 at 8:11 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Linky is not working! Check your code!
simplyhelpinghim
January 23, 2013 at 8:14 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I know! It’s the latest WP update :/ It kicks any HTML code you put in on scheduled posts. UGH!
“You Haven’t Tried Everything ‘Til You Try 1 Peter 3!” | The T2 Women
January 23, 2013 at 12:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[…] LINKING UP WITH: TIME-WARPED WIFE , THE ALABASTER JAR , THE MODEST MOM , GROWING HOME , TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD , WHAT JOY IS MINE , A MAMA’S STORY , DEEP ROOTS AT HOME , THE BETTER MOM , CREATE WITH JOY , COVERED IN GRACE , YES THEIR ALL OURS , HEAVENLY HOMEMAKERS , CORNERSTONE CONFESSIONS , WE ARE THAT FAMILY , RAISING HOMEMAKERS , WHOLE HEARTED HOME , SIMPLY BETTER , WALKING REDEEMED , SIMPLY HELPING HIM […]