Timing is everything

So, I definitely picked the WORST time of the year to move but that is how I will be spending my holidays this year.

In retrospect, this was probably not a good idea - at least at this time. However, I am leaper.. you know, one of those people that doesn't exactly look before I leap? Makes life more interesting that way, but more complicated, too.

I decided earlier in the month that my living situation was not suiting me and decided it was time to get out. I looked at several different apartments in the city but none of them were what I wanted. I prayed about the situation. What else could I really do?

Now, I never check our classified ads online but a few days ago I did just for the sake of looking and there at the top of the page was a one bedroom that was very affordable and I called immediately and it's now mine.

I have packed a few boxes already and some of my things hadn't even been unpacked from the last time I moved. I am finding it hard to get motivated. I dislike packing and moving a great deal. I've done it so much and hopefully one day, I will get to buy a house and I'll never have to pack or move or do anything like that again.

I will be packing all day Thursday and moving all day Friday. Some people from church are going to be coming by to help with the move which is really nice of them. I didn't even want to call them and ask them, even after they volunteered. It's not easy for me to ask for help when it comes to certain things... by that I mean anything, really.

The next few days will be a little more stressed because I am trying to get all of my work here at the paper done and pack and move all at the same time. The only thing that could truly make this any worse, would be snow and ice. Please pray it will stay away until at least Christmas morning.

One thing that lifted my spirits was packing food boxes with the Salvation Army on Monday for the Christmas distribution. It has meant so much to me to be a part of that organization since throughout my life they have helped me. This is my fourth year volunteering and I've gotten past the part where I cry but that feeling has been replaced by something better. You see, the first three years I cried because I was so grateful for all that had been done for me and while I am still grateful, I am now filled with a sense of purpose.

I needed people, volunteers to stand there and pack food boxes for me and now people need me and you and everyone to come together to help pack the food boxes. It feels so good knowing you are making a difference, no matter how great or small, in someone's lives. I know that children who otherwise wouldn't have a Christmas meal or toys now will because of you and me and everyone who donated their time, talents and money.

Summer even brought the kids to help pack boxes this year. It was so wonderful to come together for the common good. Even though I am griping about moving in the cold, it could be worse. So, thank you to everyone who slipped a few pennies in the kettles or sponsored an angel tree or even helped with the Coats for Kids drive. It's been a joy.

All in all, I think I could have picked a better time to move but I know what I want and when I want it, no matter what time of the year it is and how can you pass on an opportunity just because the timing is bad? BUT... It has been a great holiday season and it's not done yet.

Please, when you are with your families this year try to look around and think about what it would be like to not have anything. Spend time loving each other and make memories that will cheer your heart through rest of the winter.

"For a merry heart doeth good like a medicine," -- Proverbs 17:22