In about one month’s time I am going to add a new label on my name. I am going to be a grandmother, and I am so excited, it is nearly impossible for me to be still and let time prevail in the arrival of my granddaughter.

My son and daughter-in-law have embraced impending parenthood with a passion and seriousness which is inspiring and beautiful to watch. Although I am still about a thousand miles away, my daughter-in-law keeps me in the loop with each step of the journey to motherhood. I love that she Vlogs and I have been able to watch videos of her and my son, as well as hear her thoughts and concerns about approaching parenthood. Both of them are preparing themselves and adjusting their lives as best as possible for the imminent arrival. But we, who have been through it, know that you can never be prepared enough or anticipate what it will be like, until you get into the role of parenting.

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a baby shower in Atlanta, given by her wonderful friends. As with their wedding, I saw, an outpouring of love and support that warmed my heart, continuing to affirm to me that my granddaughter will be welcomed and loved by many people in her village (life).

I, for one am doing everything I can to get my house sold so I can move to Atlanta to be a part of my granddaughter’s life at every stage. And I want to be there for my kids (her parents) to lend support and opportunity to take a much needed break which, at this point, they have no idea how much that will be welcomed.

Now that is my time table.

I fully understand that God has a purpose and a plan for not only my life, but all of our lives. And I know He is at work. So I am trusting Him in going forward and know that when the time is right, the move will happen. For you see, a move to another part of the country is quite a task and requires a certain stamina. Throw in the fact that I am now a Senior Citizen coming out of 2 recent surgeries, and it makes the task ahead quite daunting. But I choose to live with faith over fear and while I don’t know the when’s and the how’s, I do know that it will be, in God’s time.

So while all of this sounds good, how does one move forward in faith? Here are 3 ways I feel are important in moving forward:

• You need to first recognize that God’s presence is vital in overcoming your fears. How do you recognize God’s presence? You open your Bible. Pray. And spend time in communications with Him. Believe me, there is peace in spending time with the Father. Sometimes you just need to sit and understand that doing so does not bring God to you, but rather, it brings you to God, for He is always at work around you. Psalm 46:10 states: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
• You need to understand that God loves you. If you know that and believe that, then you also know He is working things out for you. Now understand, if it is not the journey you are on, then whatever happens will be because He has plans which far exceeds anything we could hope to attain. How often have we been disappointed over not getting something we really wanted, only to find out that down the road, life turned out better than we could have ever hoped. That is how I am approaching my move. I want to sell my house, move to be there for my granddaughter and all of this in a designated time. But I have also lived long enough to understand, if I trust God, I may end up on a different path, or a different timeline, but I won’t be disappointed, because I trust God! Romans 8:28 states: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
• Ask yourself this question, “Is fear holding you back?” As a single parent for years and years, I lived with as much assurances as possible. I did not take risks. I worked, worked and worked. I had to make sure I could provide for my sons. I did not stray off the “path” of life. For I knew I was the breadwinner and they were depending on me. Back in the 80’s I was interviewed for a teaching position and got it in Atlanta, but I did not take it because the move was too overwhelming. I did not want to leave my family in the Midwest. I was afraid to be on my own with my sons so far away from family. I allowed fear to drive my decisions and I did not “rock the boat” of life. But now as I age, I fully understand you have to get out of the boat sometimes, all the while, keeping your eyes on the Father and understand that you can do it, if you keep your eyes on Him and keep reaching out. Matthew 14:31 states: And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

When I consider moving to Atlanta means I am going to enrich my life by being with my granddaughter and my kids, the move is also clothed in reasonable doubt of leaving my home for the past 35 years, leaving family in the Midwest and leaving a slew of friends who I have interacted with for most of those years. It involves leaving my church home, my “daily norms” and believe me, when you retire, you create norms which you come to depend on.

But I do know as with Peter in the Bible, if you want to “walk on water”, you have to get out of the boat and keep your eyes on God.  So I am ready! I am willing! And I am able….” through Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”. (Ephesian 3:20).