“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” –Psalm 84:5
Her heart spilled over into mine as I read the struggle in her words. Another pastor’s wife, just like me, living the itinerant lifestyle—a nomadic calling of sorts, requiring that the tent pegs remain pliable and the baggage minimal. She asked me if I ever felt “stretched and thinned” by it all, ever really felt settled in my spirit about the ministry road and my calling to stand jointly alongside my husband as a harbinger of the kingdom of God.
Stretched and thinned. An apt description for those (not just pastors and their families) who pick up the Gospel torch and who covenant with the Creator to carry it forward. Stretching and thinning is part of our trajectory of faith. From “strength to strength” with the line in between tethered to tomorrow’s promise while being restrained by yesterday’s productivity. A sacred tension between our future and our history and, if not carefully protected by perspective, a rip or two in the fabric of our souls.
Yes . . . stretched and thinned, even unsettled at times. This is where I’ve been in recent days, standing next to the man I love with one hand clasped around his and the other hand loosening the tent pegs at my feet. The last time I felt this kind of pull was three years ago when we moved to our present location. The road to arrive here was a bumpy one, and my heart was torn in two at the thought of having to start all over again.
Today, my heart feels the same, a difficult tug between all that’s been and all that will be. Stretching and thinning, desperately trying to keep in step with the Spirit and with the preacher-man whom the Father has so generously given to me for this life. Together, we’ve set our hearts on pilgrimage, knowing that the time has come for us to move forward in faith. In June, we’ll make our trek southward to a small community just north of the South Carolina state line.
I don’t imagine it will come as easily as I would like for it to, and I’ve long since given up trying to forecast the future. I can only live the stretching and thinning of this day and commit my forward movement to God’s forwarding grace. He will see to my next steps, and he’s too thorough with my sanctification to leave one stone unturned or untouched by his refining love.
Oh friends, would you pray for us, all six of us? We’re all being stretched and thinned by God’s good pleasure and because of his strong desire to move us further along in our perfection. But along the way and as we go, it’s good to know that we have friends who partner with us in the advancing of God’s kingdom through prayer. If you’re so inclined, we covet your prayers for:
- a collective faith unafraid to move forward;
- a resolute-passionate spirit to get the job done;
- an unbridled, heavenly joy to keep us company as we walk it out.
If I’m going to be stretched and thinned let it be so for the glory and renown of my faithful God who has yet to waste a single, surrendered moment of my life. He’ll work with what he gets, and today I’m putting my all back into his hands.
Peace for the journey, ye pilgrims of grace. I’m so blessed to have you partner alongside my heart as we all move onward and upward to take hold of all of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of us. I love you dearly.
PS: Photo credit – KCC Photography, Fayetteville’s finest photographer!
Elaine….I absolutely can NOT imagine what it’s like to have to pull up stakes every few years and go settle in a new place! I’ve lived in this old house for thirty-seven straight years now and hope to live here til I die. God bless you! You’re a special kind of woman! I pray that you will be given “handfuls of purpose” in this new move. That there will be some kind of unexpected blessings in this new uncharted territory that will be “right on time” in whatever needs come into your life there.
Love you so much! Just know that you continue to be one of my faith-heroines of modern day. Thank you for always reflecting Jesus in your words and actions!
Marilyn
Counting on those unexpected blessings, Marilyn! Wish you could have been with us this morning when Billy broke the word to our congregation. He did an awesome job; one of Billy’s preacher friends showed up (he had a morning off from his church); came to support Billy and even sang special music. His presence was providential!
Wow, Elaine — stretching and thinning indeed. I haven’t had to move in a very long time, but I’ve watched those I love do exactly that in recent years. I know the challenges are great. You and your sweet family can definitely count on my prayers.
By the way, love the photo. That shot could tell so many stories. Comfort, courage, and blessings to you all, my friend!
A picture worth a thousand words . . . of grace, hope, love! We’ve crammed a lot of living/faith into these past 3 years. God has been so very good to us.
OH, Elaine! I know that feeling all too well. Just did it this past summer. As we just moved last year, moving announcements haven’t been on my radar this year — though I think those of us in the Western part of the state are a little later than you are in doing that- we announced the first weekend in May last year.
I’m praying for the starting over —-again!!! Feeling that I know so well. Let me know where you are headed. Blessings!!!!
Got any extra boxes, Mindy;)? We Methodists keep on the move! I wish you were in our conference. I’d love to meet you someday, friend. If you see Tim and Kelli anytime soon, give them hugs from me.
Oh Elaine, I cannot imagine after all you’ve been through the past few years. Another change! My heart aches for you. You know how I struggle with change. However, if the Lord’s calling you all (notice my southern accent and not my normal NY one :)) you must go. May a new adventure await your family. I will be praying for you. And I too love the photo.
Blessings, love and sending you a hug,
Debbie
Love the southern girl in you, friend! And I am confident many new adventures await us all. Thanks for joining me on the journey.
Oh,dear Elaine,
I know the feeling all too well. Parts of our paths have been parallel; we also transitioned out of one ministry 3 years ago and have just begun another (a thousand miles away from “home” and family).
It is hard learning to walk that line between settling and connecting and yet setting shallow roots that allow for easy transplanting (I’m not sure I’m any good at it yet). You are in my heart and prayers as you (all) prepare for this transition. May the leaving go smoothly and bring the peace of closure and may your new beginning be filled with unanticipated joys.
At heart, I’m a “rooter”, Mary. That’s what makes this hard for me. Still and yet, I love new things, new friends, new opportunities to explore life and expand my heart. Thank you for your prayers.
I want to cry. I want to stomp my feet. Not so. Please Lord, not another move – what is there for this precious family? What awaits my friend? Why Lord?
I will stand alongside you and pound Heaven’s gates with intercessory prayer. May your way be paved by those who have lived worn and stretched to thin places in Him. Am I selfish to expect your words to be His words that much more?
And so, this promised land awaits you. Not what you’d expected but what He knew would be from the beginning. The big question is this: Are you closer to Nashville now?
LOL. . . I don’t think we’re any closer to Nashville, but this I do know, friend. I’m closer to the heart of God than I have ever been, and for this very reason, my heart is at peace. Love you dearly; let’s talk soon!!!
Oh, Elaine, change is never easy, is it? Moving to a new place, meeting new people, experiencing new opportunities…well, it can sometimes be a little stressful. Add to that all the work involved with packing, then unpacking and it can sometimes seem overwhelming.
This I do know, though. You and Billy are such a wonderful blessing. Everywhere you go, you sow seeds for the Kingdom. You both are loving, giving, and kindhearted to everyone you meet…Bill and I have witnessed that firsthand. And your children? Well, you know how much we love them…they are precious! Plus, y’all are a hoot…we love spending time and laughing with you!
I can’t help but believe that God is moving you so He can bless even more people with the opportunity to know you and love you as much and Bill and I do…I just wish He was moving you closer to us!
Our love and prayers are always with you, sweet friend.
You are one of the best friends I have, Beth. And to think . . . it all started in this place. Wish we were in the mountains tonight.
Sipping Starbucks coffee, eating H & D chocolate, warming ourselves by a fire…it would be wonderful!
Well at least I have some H&D tonight. Now to just get you over here.
omgoodness….may God bless everything related to your move..sounds like you’ll be about 2 hours up the road from us 😉
Then come visit me, please!!! I think we’ll have plenty of room, that is if my older two find viable employment after graduation and don’t have to move back in with mom and dad. Perhaps the greater prayer request?:)
My spirit had hinted that a move might be coming for you and your preacher man. You KNOW I’m praying for you. Selfishly, I might be the teeniest bit excited about your move. It appears that you might be setting up your tent a bit closer to me which means we might get to meet IRL. Just north of the South Carolina line is definitely closer to me….it all depends on where on the South Carolina line it is.
Looks like a 6 hour drive, Leah. We’re on the eastern NC/SC line. Still and yet, I look forward to the day when we meet IRL!
Praying for you, friend. As always, but especially during this time of transition and obedience.
Got any transition cards, Cindy? Like a stack of boxes or suitcases? LOL – a card for every occasion! So glad I’m carrying your friendship with me as I go.
We’ve packed, picked up & moved so many times in our 46+ years together that it makes my head swim. On the downside, we’ve left behind many dear friends, a bunch of household furnishings & even a wee bit of our youth/vigor. On the upside, we’ve met/made so many new friends, nestled into new homes, and have both profited from and relished the adventure of it all. It’s a recipe for growth, no doubt. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t entail a bushel of tears in the doing of it all.
You are near in my thoughts & prayers today, Elaine.
Proud to be on your team!
Love, Kathleen
P.S. This has been my life verse for a long, long time:
“Your statutes have been MY SONGS IN the HOUSE OF MY PILGRIMAGE. I remember Your name in the night, O Lord, and I keep Your law. This has become mine, because I kept Your precepts. You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.
I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word. ~ Psalm 119:54-58 (NKJV)
You’re my hero, Sassy. Wish I were moving next door to you.
Oh I can’t honestly imagine the stress involved in moving again. And yet! somehow I just know that you will be an inspiration and blessing to all you come in contact with, and that the Lord has MANY blessings in store for you. Praying with you now… HUGS!
Thank you, Debbie! One of the greatest gifts from this blog have been the enduring friendships I share with so many wonderful women like yourself. No matter where I go, I take my traveling buddies with me.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, love you.
I love you too, friend.
First let me say that I love the picture! What a great family you are surrounded with Elaine.
Having moved more than a few times, I understand the bittersweet emotions of it. Leaving the dear and familiar and heading into another chapter, as yet unknown.
Why am I a little bit excited about this move? Not sure, but I am!
God has faithfully carried you to so many ‘new unknowns’ during the past couple of years, and this one ahead is part of His plan.
You know I am praying for you and Billy as you make this move, and your family. I have great hopes for your ‘next’… 🙂
xo
I’m excited too, Sonja. And with God as our “next” – well, it’s all good!
I’ll be praying for your family as you continue your “long obedience in the same direction”. I’ve always liked that title of a book by Eugene Peterson. That explains pretty well what the Christian journey is like. praying for much blessing in your new obedience.
Thank you, Peggy. I’ve always like Peterson’s description as well. Blessings and peace to you as you continue down the road.
Dear Elaine,
I am always sad when I hear a pastor’s family is uprooted and moved on. I can’t help but identify with my own up-rootedness through those growing years as a preacher’s family. I surely have to say that even today…I have a feeling of un-plantedness because of moving every three years. Daddy was a Methodist minster also for 30 of his 40 year pastorate. Always starting over. Church, school, community. It never gets easier, does it?
But God…
He is always faithful. May He enlarge your territory and pour out His blessings with an abundance of new wine…for the place He is preparing for you. May they receive you with open hearts and open hands. May they shower you with Love. May they quickly become your new church family. Praying for the whole family.. it is a stressful time in ways that can’t even fully be described.
Hugs
patrina ><
You minister to my heart so richly, Patrina. Thank you for the gift of this prayer. I take it to bed with me tonight.
I don’t know what it is like to realize wherever I go, in near years I will “pull up tent pegs” to move to another community. By your writing you seem to be a woman who invests in others – I can only imagine the heartache to leave those who have a part of you. But for those who await you – ah, what a treasure for them!
Heart investments are the rich ones. I pray for God’s faithfulness to always love others through the eyes of the kingdom.
Praying for you, stretching and thinning. I like that…I mean, not really the process, but the description and yes, ultimately I do like it. You know what I mean!
With the farm for sale for three years, I have felt limbo-land-living too. Dale working in a different state. It’s been an adventure, but hard too.
Praying for you as you transition. Pulling up the tent pegs. That usually means enlarging them too for the kingdom, right? More fruit in Heaven.
Please pray for us too, our tent to sell and that we land the right one on the other side. 🙂
Love your words. Light for the journey as well as Peace. xo
Oh if it were as easy as picking up our tents and moving on. We’re so tethered to earthly things, and while they are part of our pilgrimage here, they certainly can slow us down from time to time. Praying your tent sells and that you might continue the adventure alongside your husband in the very near future!
And yes, I do know what you mean.
When I read your comments the other day, we had a good idea your were moving. Elaine you and your family will face this new adventure the same way you have others..with God by your side, a smile on your face and a loving heart. My prayers go with you and Billy and the family, stay in touch my friend.
sisters in Christ
Pat W
Wish you could have jumped in the van and come with the “ancients” today; we met at the K&W for lunch. Yes, we’ll stay in touch. Thank you for your prayers.
It would have been nice to join you, but I wouldn’t have been much fun to be around I’m sick
thanks for stopping by…my rule is: if something ‘new’ comes in a box has to go ‘out’…I am a consignor at a local shop a couple of miles from here and it helps me get stuff out of the house quickly (and no messing with yard sales)
Stretched and Thinned… I have been reading your life story for several years now. And the journey has not always been easy, especially since that last move to your present home. Then the cancer. The recovery. And still moving forward. I appreciate the way you share your life lessons with us. In many ways, our journeys run parallel… but what amazes me is that there are times when they intersect, and our paths meet!
Praying with you and for you.