The Grass Is Greener.... Right Where We Are

The first six months of this year were such a roller coaster for our family. First Travis applied for a new job, and we felt so good about it. He had all the experience they were looking for (he had even worked there during law school) and was well received when he went in to drop off his resume. As we prayed about it, we felt so strongly that it was the right thing for him to do. Unfortunately, the company ended up deciding not to fill the position. It was a big disappointment for us.
At the same time, the firm he is currently with lost their St. George attorney and started putting pressure on Travis to move down there. He was driving down a few times a month to cover that office anyway, so we thought maybe we should look into moving our family there. The more we looked into it, the more excited we felt about the change. Interest rates are low, and we got the first bid on a great house in short sale (see photo above). He felt like he'd be able to do more of the type of law he enjoys in St. George. And, let's be honest.... no more blah winters! So we got excited about that plan.
And yet, the whole time we were thinking of moving down to Dixie, thoughts kept coming to my mind of what I would miss about living here in Spanish Fork. Our amazing friends and neighbors. Our street with 80 billion kids who run/bike/play like wild Indians and don't discriminate based on age, gender, or abilities. Our ward. The Mommy Preschool we were planning. Hikes to the Grotto and Bridal Veil. Seven Peaks, the river trail, good schools and parks. The awesome library that orders any book I request and does fun programs for my kids. Miss Melanie's dance class. Sister Lyman. Swim lessons in the summer time. Grandparents that live close enough to visit often and help out when asked. Ashby Girls Days to City Creek. Babysitters whenever I want them.
It was a difficult decision for us to make, and we waffled for three months. It consumed our conversations and activities. Both options were full of good things and it was extremely hard for us to decide which was best for our family. Eventually it came down to this: although moving to St. George would be a fun adventure, we felt like it was in our family's best interest to stay here.
In the midst of the pendulum of emotions this decision swung us through, I found this scripture in Genesis. After Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery, after he had spent years in prison, and eventually after he had helped to save Egypt and his family by managing their food storage.... his brothers came before him and begged forgiveness. His reply was so wise: "God meant it unto good, to bring pass, as it is this day to save much people alive ." (Gen. 50:20) Sometimes we don't understand the things we go through. Sometimes the stresses and worries don't work out in a way we comprehend. But, I have faith in a deep and personal God, who knows me and my family and knows what is best for us. I know He "meant it unto good" and now we must look for the blessings He has in store for us.