Yep, that's an empty room! It felt like it would never end, but after tacking on an extra day because we had a bit more stuff left than I had planned for, we are finally done and back in Fort Myers. There is a bit more work to do until we leave, but we'll mainly be resting up and making sure the trailer and Explorer are ready to leave on the 12th.
I have to say, when I pulled out of Bartow, my heart was a bit heavy. We absolutely loved that house. The age and woodwork gave it a great personality. And its location was awesome for walks downtown to eat or go to the antique show or Friday Fest. We always said, if you have to live in Florida, this was the place to be! So, even as excited as we are about the road ahead, it was hard to drive away yesterday.
But, as the Bible says, there is a time for everything... a season. Some shorter and some longer than others. Bartow was a great season and we are trusting in The Lord and expecting awesome things in the season ahead.
Which brings me to a song I've been singing and playing during the last few days. It has really become my theme song in all of this and is one of my favorite hymns.
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"
I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine
For it's skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.
I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with his blood.
Amen.