Today marks a very big day in my personal life. The family home that I built myself over 23 years ago closed and the keys were given to new owners this morning.
I of course knew it was coming for the last few months and grieved, but much like grieving when you know someone is going to die, the actual day it happens hits you entirely differently.
In 1991, I took 6 months and taught myself how to build a house. In May of 1992 we moved in. Michael was all of 6, Brittany all of 3 and Victoria yet to be born. We were one of the first homes in the neighborhood and so woods were all around. Dot, our trusty neighbor lived next-door. Her daughter Sarah and Brittany grew up together living in each other's homes. Michael and his friends built things in the woods with treasure maps and all that comes with that wonderful season of adolescence. Memories of Victoria building a makeshift ladder to climb up the jungle gym as well as lots of backyard baseball, soccer and barbeque are deeply treasured memories in my heart. The sound of laughter and joy filled that backyard for many years.
And the holidays. Oh the holidays! We always had many guests over, including my now deceased parents. The Amy Grant Christmas album played in the background over and over and over. Playing basketball and football out on the street after we were all full… The memories go on and on. Even the church I pastored for almost 20 years was birthed in the very living room, as when I was designing the house God had given me a vision of the great room being full of people worshiping.
And that indeed came to pass.
So as you can see, 305 Fern Point Ln. represents much more than a house to me. It represents the biggest part of my life and by far my most precious memories. Sadly the marriage ended, the children left to start their own lives, and even at the end, my trusted friend, Mia, had to be given away. Just as great joy had filled that home, sadness filled it as well in the last few years. As I am reading in Ecclesiastes right now, life is comprised of both sorrow and joy and 305 Fern Point Lane knew both well.
About six months ago when I knew I was going to have to put her on the market, late at night I began to walk through the house, with my hand feeling each and every wall, reciting all the memories that had happened in each and every area. I wept as I walked and I thanked God for the privilege of having all of these memories and for giving me the opportunity to have built this family home that had served us so well. I was only 27 years old and knew nothing about construction when I had built her but I felt God had put it in my heart. As I finished walking through the house and feeling those last walls in the dining room, the Father spoke to me and I heard him say, "You did a good job son. Well done."
So I guess this post is largely just for me as I grieve the "formal" end of a great and grand season of life. I left a letter for the new owners on the counter as I left, blessing them and wishing they and their young family wonderful memories as well in the house that I so loved.
Life goes on as it always does and we have to adjust and adapt and embrace to the new seasons that God brings. I am sure many of you who may have taken a few moments to read this may have to be leaving and grieving a past season as well. Let's covenant to pray for each other as we enter the new, trusting God with the past and being thankful for it while embracing the new he has in store?
Love you all much,
PB
Bobby if you ever need to talk I have been where you are... I will b glade to listen.
. 334-303-4586... text or call... blessings
Posted by: Stephen mchaney | September 08, 2015 at 10:01 PM
Bobby, I bless you in your new life. I know the feelings and hopes that go with a family home. Dan and I have experienced surprise and even shock of what we have faced in these years following the time we knew you through Liberty. But one thing I know. God is indeed love. We all fail. I have failed but I rejoice in God's redemption and love and I hope that you do too.
God bless you my brother and it's not about this earth anyway, as you know.
Posted by: Maribeth Price | September 08, 2015 at 08:26 PM
I well remember that Stephen. And Melanie, as well as to you Stephen.....and myself... GRACE!
Posted by: BB | September 08, 2015 at 08:18 PM
Thanks PB for helping grieving hearts that have suffered the same life changing events to heal. Prayers for lots of blessings and love to come with this new season.
Posted by: Melanie Gallian | September 08, 2015 at 07:49 PM
This post made me tear up... I was a young man in college and I worked with Gary Horn and we worked in that house and I hv been in that house many times. My heart breaks for all we have lost over all the years: friends, loved ones, and marriages... God is good at sending people in our lives to loves us the remainder of our days... but the loss is still sad... I love you very much Bobby...
Love,
Stephen McHaney
Posted by: Stephen mchaney | September 08, 2015 at 07:31 PM