My husband, Trip, and I decided to downsize. And downsize we did – from nearly 5000 square feet to a 900 square foot cabin beside a little creek in the country. This is one of those little “knowing’s” in your heart that it is the right thing to do. The freeing of all the responsibility and upkeep of a house, yard and everything that goes with it brings a peace that surpasses understanding.
“Excess” was like clutter in my life – a toleration!
With all our excitement about the beauty and simplicity of this small slice of heaven, in the back of our minds was that little voice: “You’ll be alone. What will you do if it snows? You will lose power. You won’t even be able to get out of your driveway, much less drive on the roads. There are no ‘city plows’ and no ‘county services’ like you have been so accustomed.”
I thought we had made it through the winter. After all, it was nearly the middle of February, and we had been blessed with mild weather – 40 degrees on one particular day.
Then it happened. Out of nowhere, a huge winter storm with crippling cold and blustering winds. One storm and then another. The snow fell all around us getting deeper as the night progressed and sure enough, we lost power.
We got out some candles and put them all around the cabin. They gave off a warm flickering glow against the walls and ceiling. We sat close and used the time to just be still and listen to the silence and the sweetness of the country on a winter’s night. It was good for us because we realized that we had everything we needed.
And the roads? What we never realized was nearly everybody in the country has his or her own plow! If it’s not hooked to a tractor, they will put one on the front of a pick up truck. We never had to worry! My neighbor plowed our driveway and kept it clear. He plowed the road in front of the cabin – day and night. People called to check on us, brought us food and offered to take us to the store.
The Lord has His servants in the city and in the country. He promised to always be with you and protect you, no matter where you are and regardless of your situation.
The church may be in a building to some, but I think it is also down the roads, alongside the streams and clustered in the woods. I learned that the church has no structure; the church can be found in the people around you.
Don’t ever be afraid to “downsize” to any place the Lord sends you. While Satan is whispering fear in your ear to be afraid, the Lord your God is whispering to your neighbors to remember who and where you are.
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14: 26-27