Transitions Require a Leap of Faith

CR Stepsisters

Transitions can be terrifying and difficult. Last year I took a leap of faith.

I moved to Wilmington, NC. It didn’t make a lot of sense, and some people who love me are still scratching their heads, but I knew it was time to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine — to live on the coast.

Walking the Land

Beach entrance #11 Carolina BeachBefore I make a grand move or change of any kind I take a scouting trip and “walk the land” to get a sense of God’s approval. I am a woman of a certain age and frankly, I don’t have time to go round the mountain again if I make a mistake. I want to get things right. So, in the summer of 2019 my son, Curt, and I rented an Airbnb not far from Wrightsville Beach, NC. I chose the coastal city of Wilmington because there was a church I wanted to check out that I believed would be the right fit for me. As a single woman, it’s important for me to have a church’s spiritual covering and to find community.

The land and the church spoke. I moved to Wilmington and began my search for a permanent home.

Ready – or not

This move meant I would be 13 and 1/2 hours from my family home in Pennsylvania and 5 1/2 hours from my Asheville friends, especially two young boys and their family who hold a huge place in my heart. But I knew it was time, I was ready for a change after living in Asheville, NC 13 years.

But, any transition has its risks and benefits.

There is a Downside

This is now my second Christmas here on Carolina Beach.

I’m still getting used to missing loved ones’ birthday celebrations and soccer games – weddings, and even end-of-life celebrations.

Surfing frosty

 

 

Still getting used to seeing inflatable snowmen holding surfboards next to Palm trees instead of a snowman made of real snow, sporting a carrot nose and red scarf.

 

 

 

And did I tell you the leaves turn color here in December, not October?

 

But the Upside is Real!

 

Christmas parade

 

Now I am used to walking the beach and wearing sunscreen in December. We watch our Christmas parade while wearing summer clothes – and drink sweet tea instead of hot chocolate.

 

 

My shell collection is growing. I love my church home, it has truly become a wonderful community of terrific friends. I’ve renewed friendships with writer friends and published authors I’ve met at conferences or had as a client who live in the area.

A Carolina Beach morning

 

And though I am still living out of storage and have yet to find a permanent home, I live on an island and am a few steps from the beach!

 

 

 

Yes, it was a risky leap of faith

If I am honest, there were days I second-guessed my decision. It was lonely at first. I missed my Asheville friends (and still do), but I trusted God was with me and I know I made the right move.

CR sistersGod has gifted me with new friends – sisters and brothers I do life with who are helping me grow and become a better me.

 

Yes, there ‘be pirates’ and a few grinches on the island, but I’m starting to enjoy a coastal southern celebration of Christ’s birth.

 

Flamingo Christmas

Crab Trap Christmas Tree

Pirates and Grinch

 

 

Are you considering taking a leap of faith in the new year? Before you do, I suggest you walk the land. If God gives you the green light, then do it! Make the move, take a leap of faith.

 

Diana Flegal

Writers Coach/ Freelance Editor/ Collage Artist/ Jesus Follower

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook - LinkedIn - YouTube

4 comments

  1. It’s been fun to watch you take this step on your journey. OK, well sometimes it has been a bit scary. But I’m so glad to see you flourishing there!

  2. I’m proud of you! And you know you’re always welcome back in the Asheville area! Just wish I’d have known you better when you were my neighbor! 😉

Comments are closed.