featured image

Reflecting on her family’s move to a new state several years ago, Tina Mayeux offers ideas on handling major life changes with grace.  


Job changes. Health problems. Financial stress. All these major life events and others can cause tension and upheaval within a family. When we are facing significant moments in our lives, my husband and I like to remind each other that it’s simply God “moving our furniture around” again.  

We have exchanged this quip for such a long time, we don’t even remember where we first heard it. It is a reference that has stuck with us as we have faced many hurdles and adversities as a family, from job and school changes to kids graduating and moving away for college. When life throws us a curve ball and we are forced to confront new and challenging realities, it reminds us that God is ultimately in control, and all that He permits is for our sanctification. 

Sometimes the moving of our furniture can be a minor problem or irritation. On a recent trip to my favorite grocery store, I was dismayed to find the canned goods had been moved to the coffee shelf, and vice versa. I was a little bewildered, as I had become accustomed to being able to find my dark roast on Aisle Two and my peas and green beans on Aisle Ten. Familiarity is comfortable, and the relocation of my grocery items was, I must admit, a bit frustrating. Although this experience was only slightly inconvenient and presented me with an opportunity to “offer it up,” it reminded me of the times we have faced more serious changing life situations, which can be more formidable.  

In 2016, a job opportunity led our family from the heart of Cajun Country in Louisiana to a new home a few states away in Alabama. Leaving behind our family and lifelong friends, we ventured out into the unknown, not sure what awaited us, but trusting in God’s Providence for our lives and our future. The move was most challenging for our three children, who had to adapt to a new school, friends, and church community.

While I viewed the relocation as a unique opportunity to meet new people and enjoy different experiences, I think our children, (two out of three of whom are innately introverted, just like their dad) were less excited about it. It was the most significant life event in their young lives. Not only was God “moving” their furniture; it was as if He had uprooted them and rehomed them in an entirely new dwelling, complete with strange and unfamiliar furnishings.  

 

null

 

Looking back, there are several ideas that helped us to adjust to our new, alternate reality: 

 

Surrender and acceptance are key 

When God moves your furniture, it’s best not to fight against what is His will for your life. If the changes are painful, we can remember Saint Paul’s words, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28) and trust that He can use these changes for our good. Praying the Surrender Novena has also been helpful for me during these trying times.  

 

You can’t do it alone 

Community, especially our church community, supports and sustains us during the trials and challenges of life. It can be uncomfortable and humbling revealing our difficulties to others, but having the support of other Christian friends can make the burden much lighter. When I was recovering from hip replacement surgery last year, I was touched by the generous outpouring of love I received from not only my extended family, but also from so many friends. From bringing over casseroles to helping with rides for the kids, they were truly present for us during a challenging time, and I felt blessed to have their support.  

 

Family is precious 

Friends come and go, but our family relationships are often the most important. It is a blessing to have strong family ties, especially in difficult times. Relocating to a new state has ultimately strengthened our marriage and brought us closer to our children. Our extended family has also remained a steadfast source of love and support through the ups and downs of life.   

 

God is our ultimate source of strength and comfort 

Most importantly, in times of change, it is vital to cling to God because He is the one constant in life. Though He may allow our world to be shaken, we know that His love remains, and that He will never abandon us. During difficult times, my strength and comfort has always come primarily through faithfulness to daily prayer and the sacraments.  

 

null

 

As I get older, familiarity has become a source of reassurance for me, and I tend to value it over novelty and change.  Since we moved into our new home eight years ago, strategically positioning the lamps and tables and affixing artwork and treasured family photos on the walls, I have not rearranged things much. I enjoy coming home to our usual, predictable setting because it provides me with a sense of stability and comfort.

When God shakes things up a bit and moves the furniture around in my life, I find consolation and peace in the coziness and consistency of home. It reminds me of God’s love and His unchanging nature. I know that He will always be with us, both in joys and sorrows, and that whatever He allows is for our sanctification and good.  

 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.


Copyright 2024 Tina Mayeux
Images: Canva