Heron

In the summer we started to search for a house. It was important the six of us picked out our next house together. We each had special things we were looking for like some land, a pond, a tree to hang a swing from, and a big driveway for a basketball hoop. We explored building a house and looked at a few on the market. Houses were limited and overpriced. My husband stumbled upon a house for sale west of town. Three acres with a private pond. It had been on the market more than 20 days. As we drove up the gravel lane for the first time we wondered if this could be the house.

We quickly learned that while it checked almost all of our boxes it appeared to be in an internet dead zone. Bandwidth for a family of six was something we couldn’t overlook. We took the kids to see the house and the boys didn’t even want to come inside. They were amazed by the pond and made themselves right at home. Our youngest spotted several trees perfect for hanging a swing. Our oldest was hesitant. She has a keen eye for decorating and the house definitely needed some love.

We decided to explore alternative internet options and found what seemed to be a viable (but expensive) option. We decided if it worked that would be a sign we needed to make an offer. Of course there were other pros and cons to consider like being 20 minutes from their schools and family, huge yard to take care of, and no kids in a subdivision. The night before we went to try the internet option we prayed together as a couple. We invited God into our decision making process and asked for his will. We asked for a sign.

The internet idea worked the next day, but for some reason I still didn’t feel settled. We got into the truck with our realtor and sat in the driveway considering whether or not we’d make an offer. As we were sitting there, my husband suddenly told me to look down at the pond. When I looked I saw a beautiful heron. He was there for only a few minutes before he flew away. Herons have a significant meaning to me that stems back to 2003 when I started my recovery journey. Since that time when I see one it memorizes me and I can feel God’s presence. That was the sign! I knew God was there and we just had to make an offer.

We put our best foot forward fully expecting a counter offer, but no counter came. The sellers agreed. We wouldn’t have pursued this house in any other season of life. We learned the sellers built this house and raised their two boys here (now in their 30s). They fished, ice skated, and hosted their small groups from church in this house. This place was exactly what we were looking for; a place to play with our kids and grow together as a family.

“Be still, and know that I am God”

Psalm 46:10