Me Thinks

 

We pulled away from our house on Sunday afternoon and I shed a few tears. I asked my husband, "Is it okay to love a house?" He said it was okay to love a house, as long as I loved God more. I do love my house, and I do love God more.

I knew I would be emotional saying goodbye to friends and family, but my grief  regarding the house surprised me.

I love the house on Loridan Lane because it is where we lived for a while with all five children at home. It is where we studied the scriptures together, had family nights, enjoyed countless meals, welcomed friends and group date nights, planted a garden, worked together, practiced musical instruments, studied homework, laughed, cried, and loved. A house can become a sacred place. It is sacred to me because I have grown my testimony in this house and felt the Spirit.  

I am grateful for a house that shielded me from rain and wind. Many times I laid in bed listening to the howling wind, thinking about the pioneers on the open plain with no shelter, and I whispered prayers of gratitude for strong walls and a protective roof. Similarly, our house shielded us from the wickedness of the world. It is where we fortified our testimonies and became more spiritually reliant.

I will miss this house! I am grateful for the renters we have and the conscientious way that they care for homes. I cherish the memories made in this home and plan to make more in the years following our mission.