Previously drafted, now publishing!

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?

Being that my life is about to be upended again, I’d say no.

Last year we were in Florida at this time, talking about how we were going to Arizona for the winter and look how that turned out. Look out world, the Smyths are coming through.

Dave has accepted the position in Vidor, TX, which means we will soon be moving back to Southeast Texas.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I mean, he has only been retired for three years. I thought he was enjoying it, and I think he was but…

He feels needed and that’s coming from all sides. His old boss Dee called him a few weeks ago saying a manager in Orange County was about to retire and couldn’t find a decent replacement.

Dee recommended Dave and called to give him a heads up that she would more than likely be calling him soon. He asked me then how I felt about moving back and I said “You know I do.”

We had the time of our lives when we lived in Groves but when we were needed by our families, we moved back. The guilt I felt was and still is overwhelming, so I prayed on this a long time. Every day in fact, since Dave got the news.

I wouldn’t even consider going – couldn’t live with myself unless I felt it was sanctioned by God. And when things start lining up like they have, that’s when I know that He is moving us like chess pieces on a board. I just have to sit back and trust Him…and David.

That is the other reason he accepted to job offer. I am a hot mess, and the VA is too slow in dealing with me. The job will give him insurance immediately, and that means I can get “fixed” faster. My appointment yesterday did not go as I hoped, so the timing is actually perfect.

The behind-the-scenes action is already happening and news is spreading down there in SE TX like wildfire. Dave called Dee back to say thank you for thinking of him and giving him such an opportunity. It’s a real blessing even though my emotions are all over the map.

On one hand, I’m upset because I’ve worked so hard to get all these VA docs lined up, tests ordered and appointments made, and now everything is changing again. On the other hand, yes, I’d like to be dealt with faster and if I’m strong I can go back to my volunteer work. Like I said too, I feel like we just got him retired and now he’s going back to work- four years tops he told them. We want to get back to our lifestyle as we’ve known it for three years as soon as possible.

The other thing is that I’ve been praying for God to put us in a place so we can find a new church that we both want to attend and get back on track with attending church together. I really miss that.

We will finally have our own home base, we can get our licenses updated, change our address and finally get our mail straight to us. Speaking of licenses, Dave will have to get his A Water License renewed and that will take him about 30 hours. It’s kind of funny because he was just saying the other how he was going to let it go. Is that divine intervention or what?

Now comes the logistical nightmare of getting the bus down there somewhere, finding a rental to live in while we look for a house, and getting me down there in as few trips as possible, as well as all of our stuff from storage. Im not going to be much help until we get situated, and he is supposed to start work the third week in January.

The holidays are now up in the air as well, so I want to see my friends and take care of them before we leave. It’s five hours away, so imagine company from around here will be rare. However, they are going to be happy to have an “in” for the coast.

I’m trusting Dave and God that this truly the best thing for us at this moment in time. When Dave is ready to retire again, he wants me healthy and whole so we can get back on the road. I’m so blessed to have Dave. He always puts my needs before his. And I want him to be happy and I could tell yesterday when he got back from the interview, he was hyper with excitement.

The dogs will be happy as well, with a stable place to live and a big, gated yard to run around in. (I don’t know what it will look like yet but God will provide, I’m sure). I’m praying for guidance and direction, patience and gratitude as our lives head into a new phase of our adventure. 🙏🤗