I remember sitting in the passenger's seat of the moving van headed to a new state and a new life. I had lived in San Antonio, Texas for 10 years and my world was flipped on it's head in a matter of weeks. As we moved down the highway on the road to New Mexico I realized that I had a choice here. I could be angry and upset that I was moving in the middle of the school year or I could view this experience as an exciting adventure. I chose to look at the silver lining and trust that this move to a new state was part of the adventure God was taking me on. Little did I realize I would be in a moving truck 3 more times over the next 4 years of my life and that this decision to be positive in the face of difficulty would shape many life experiences to come.
Moving to a new place and starting over can seem overwhelming but it can become a wonderful blessing depending on our attitude and perspective. Moving in the middle of my Senior year looked like a horrible circumstance to outsiders looking in, but it was such a blessing as I was able to make some of the best friends of my life that year that I am still in contact with. If you are in a situation where you will be moving to a new place and starting over, find the silver lining!
Possible "silver lining" could include:
1) Becoming a new and improved you! No one knows you so you can reinvent yourself :)
2) Opportunities to make new friends
3) Discover the traditions and culture of the area
4) Becoming accustomed to change (the only constant thing in life)
5) Less drama and letting go of past difficult circumstances
6) Having to rely on God, more faith in Him built
7) There is no growth in the comfort zone- opportunity to grow
8) New life style if you now live by beach, forest, snow, heat
9) Build relationships with close family members
10) Strengthen the ward you move to by serving faithfully in new calling.
I'll be moving to a new state in a few weeks to start my new life in Highland, Utah and these blessings are becoming real once again! I am grateful for these opportunities to move, create a new life and come closer to God in the process. It's our decision whether or not we will enjoy the ride life takes us on.
Challenge: If you yourself are moving to a new place soon, consider what blessings might come to you as a result. If you aren't moving anytime soon, think of anyone in your ward or that you know that recently moved where you live and show them around the city. Be a friend in this overwhelming time in their life.
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