Maybe it’s age. Maybe it’s perspective. Regardless, I’ve realized during the last few years just how significant home is to me. So much of me is rooted in the rivers and mountains of Tennessee, and my heart has always been there. It’s where my life began, and it seems, is where my heart will always remain.
I started praying about returning home a couple of years ago and as time has moved on, my desire to be back in Tennessee has increased. I knew I would return one day, but I needed to wait for His timing in doing so. It seems that time is now.
I’ve accepted a job with Abingdon Press, the publishing arm of the United Methodist Church, located in Nashville. I can’t begin to explain to you how the Lord worked this out and maneuvered the way before I arrived. His hand was and continues to be all over this job in so many ways, and I am grateful. I’ll be leaving Huntsville and moving back to Nashville in October. I’ve loved my five-plus years in Huntsville, and we all know how much I loved living in Auburn. Alabama has been good to me, and part of my story will always remain here. But it’s time to go home — time to return to my first love. I’m heartbroken to leave my friends, but I’m excited about returning to old ones and I look forward to making new ones. Tennessee’s openly had my heart for quite some time, so I doubt these words surprise anyone.
Thank you for seven beautiful years, Alabama. And thank you to each and every one of you who’s been part of this journey. You’ve made it a difficult decision to leave, and I am so thankful for your role in my life. While I’m thrilled for this new chapter, I’m truly heartbroken to leave this wonderful place. The consolation is that I’m only a few minutes up the road so I expect many, many visitors.
Happy for your new opportunity! I felt the way you do about where I grew up, but things never really worked out for me there. Now, I’m more of a citizen of the world, and I’m more than okay with that. Things always seem to work the way they’re supposed to, even if we don’t understand it at the time. I’m glad for your homecoming.
While I didn’t exactly move “home,” I certainly got a whole lot closer. When I moved away I didn’t really feel connected to home, but as I’ve gotten older it’s become more important to me to be closer to family. I’m guessing you feel the same way.