We’re one step closer toward closure here in St. Louis. The house has a contract on it. Over the past day I’ve been doing more packing and as I am surrounded by the boxes and the half-packed clutter, I am overcome with waves of gratitude. This house has been such an important part of my life over the past 2 years. Buying it was one of the most important choices I have made. It has grounded me and grown me in ways that I can’t exactly express.

- It has been a cozy, warm place that has given expression to my values, interests and loves.

- There have been friends coming and going, glasses of wine on the porch, conversations over the fence with my neighbors.

- There has been a garden in the backyard. I cherish memories of last summer’s madly growing tomatoes and the ongoing war with the brazen city squirrels who always got the best ones just before they were picked.

- There has been a cat in the house, whose growing affection and playfulness has been a source of comfort and delight.

- There has been peace with being alone – something that I have rarely experienced in my life. And I have not felt a need to fill the house up with stuff, but have taken from here and there, received special pieces, hand-me-downs and recycled treasures from friends.

- There has been a piano here, a gift from my dear friend, Cade, who passed away last March. And with it came a space to enjoy playing just for myself again, to stay up as late as I wanted lingering over Chopin, Bach and my own compositions.

In so many ways it is difficult to leave this place but I believe that this lovely house on Hartford Street will continue to bless its inhabitants. God brought me here for a reason and in this transition, I do not want to negate or minimize the tremendous sense of blessing that I have felt, the sense that I have been in the right place at the right time. So, I want to claim a moment of thanks to the God who has been with me in this house and who will be with me in the houses (and/or closet-sized Manhattan apartments) to come!

“O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home.”