We were able to spend last week in New England, making the rounds between family in Massachusetts, friends in New Hampshire, and a few fabulous beach days on Cape Cod and Ogunquit, Maine (perhaps the most beautiful place on earth, if you ask me :)).
Even when we visit places up North with which I am not necessarily acquainted or from my childhood, I can’t escape a deep sense of nostalgia driving on old New England roads that feel strangely familiar.
The homes in the Northeast have such a different look than Southern homes;
I appreciate the full, mature landscapes and the worn and weathered wood siding.
And yet as much as my heart finds comfort in those familiar places, pulling in front of our Virginia home at the conclusion of our time away, I know in my spirit I am exactly where God wants me.
For now, for this season, He says that this sweet church and our little country town are our home.
Ten years ago, I never would have imagined that home for me would be near one of the poultry capitals of the East Coast, or that there would be free range chickens just over the fence in our back yard, or that agriculture will one day be a major subject for my kids in high school.
Even more, I really would never have believed that this New England girl would enjoy this countrified life.
But when we follow Him, even when it leads away from the familiar, away from “home”, we find true joy.
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. (Mark 4:16-20)
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I”ve only been to New England one time with my husband in his truck. I’d always wanted to see what it was like after reading many books and seeing many movies about New England. I loved it. Have spent most of my life in the West so you can imagine how different it seemed to me, loved all the old houses, churches. Was an experience much enjoyed. Wish we could visit there again by car to be able to stop at places, maybe get closer to the water, visit antique stores. Maybe someday.
Oh, Lauren, this post captured my heart. I’m SO GLAD I found you through L.L’s link today. I never thought I’d feel “at home” back amongst the cornfields and quietness of the MidWest- but God does know where we belong, doesn’t He? So glad to meet you here. Your heart is beautiful- it shines through your writing. Blessings from a country-fied gal in Iowa!
Thank you SO much for your sweet words, Alicia! What a blessing :) I’m continually amazed at how much more God knows me than I know and understand myself. thank you for encouraging me today :) I’ll be headed over to your site now!
I have to argue that the beaches of Florida are better. I was raised in the South however, so its all I really know. :) I’m glad you’ve been able to find the beauty in where God has planted you! That is hard to do sometimes. :)
Thanks for linking up with WIP Wednesday!
No comparison, Mary Beth ;)
Thanks for hosting!
Oh, Lauren, your post made me HOMESICK! As a Yankee also living in the South (SC), I love where I am, but have such fond memories of where I grew up. Part of God’s gift to me in moving me to the South was my salvation. The others are the marvelous southern husband and two southern daughters. Now I”m really outnumbered! Thanks for the nostalgic glimpse back home :) Visiting today from Be Not Weary (www.lorihatcher.com)
It is hard, Lori, isn’t it? But so amazing that you can thank God for His eternal gift, received in the South ;)
We did a North Atlantic cruise for our honeymoon. We stopped 2 places in Maine and 3 places in Canada. We want to go back to Maine!! It’s beautiful and the people are so friendly!
It really is so beautiful! Hope you make it back, Kristen :)