Sometimes the gravity of a big life change hits us at unexpected times. The reality of the detour catches up with us, and we’re left wondering if we’ll ever catch up with the life we wish to create for ourselves.

It’s been over 500 days since we moved. I thought by now I’d be filling my home with Christmas decorations, cooking in my own kitchen, and going to sleep under the same roof as our son. Instead, through circumstances outside of our control, we haven’t even started building our new home.

I make the best out of it most of the time. For the past few days, however, I feel as though I’m unraveling a little bit. The walls in the RV are closing in and the timeline of having our own home seems to have no end in sight.

I’m getting more impatient for change.

As much as I’ve been writing about gratitude, I’m severely lacking in it. I can only see what I don’t have right now instead of remembering God’s never-failing faithfulness. He’s always provided what I need at the time that I need it…not when I think I need it. I can only know this by looking back on how He has taken care of me all along.

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

psalm 9:1

David found reasons to praise God, even through his most difficult circumstances. He did this by proclaiming all wonderful things God has done.

When my focus shifts to what I don’t have right now and how I’m not where I thought I would be, it’s impossible for me to be grateful for what I have at this moment. And everything I have at this moment is made possible only through God lovingly bringing me through challenging seasons. My frustration turns to fulfillment when I remember the blessings that came from those challenges. Fear turns into faith when those blessings reflect God’s nature. He is powerful, loving, and good.

I’d be fooling myself to think “Once our home is built, I will finally be at rest.” New problems will develop and fresh challenges will grow. But I can endure them all when I focus on what God has already done in my life and have a thankful heart.

Songs to add to your playlist to remind us that maybe life is good: