From Barren to Beautiful

 From Barren to Beautiful

Rebecca Carpenter

May 3, 2024

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:12-15 (NIV)

Eleven years ago, Alan and I tramped through sand to look for the right spot for our new home. Only a few lots remained along a peaceful lake. Seven spindly cypress trees stood along the shore but a forest enclosed the opposite side. 

            The realtor waited as we examined the potential home site. Even with nothing but barrenness and trees slightly taller than Alan, we saw a future dream and decided on the lot. 

            “We will take this one,” Alan said. 

            “Go home and think about it,” she replied. 

            Though shocked by her response, we agreed. After discussing the options, the following day we gave her a check and started the buying process.  

            A little over eleven years later, the view is much different. The tall cypress limbs reach out to hug each other and form a lovely border. A tiny oak grew into a towering shade tree and home for a variety of wildlife. Green grass forms a carpet over the sandy soil. Multicolored flowers edge the shore and fill beds. 

            We sold our large, dream home to move to a community with a smaller house. We had planned to remain in the first place for many more years until Alan became ill with pulmonary fibrosis. 

            After his diagnosis and declining health, he announced one day that we should sell the house, downsize and move to a place where the yard would be taken care of and life would be easier for me. 

            Even though the truth of his impending death was difficult to accept, we both realized it was the right decision. 

            Building a new home, kept us busy and helped distract us from the reality of his terminal disease. Although most of the time, outwardly he seemed fine to others, we knew he could no longer play racquet ball, mow the lawn or travel. Our lives had changed dramatically. 

             Downsizing, packing, selling one house and working on building a second one, being a trustee for my parents… became too overwhelming. For a time, we took our home off the market because it was just too much. Looking back, I am amazed at how God took me through all of it. 

            During that time, both of my parents went into a nursing home and then to my brother and sister-in-law’s home to receive twenty-four hour care. 

My dad passed away in May before we moved in August as mother’s health weakened. We looked forward to getting involved in our neighborhood. But that didn’t happen. 

            Alan’s health quickly declined and four months later, he passed away. My family, friends-old and new-surrounded me with love and comfort. My life changed drastically. 

            As I navigated being alone, my once desolate homesite became a much-needed sanctuary for my peace and comfort. God took something barren and made something beautiful. 

My life has not turned out the way I once hoped but God has taken the pain, burdens and troubles and made something new. Even in the midst of tribulations, I have been loved and blessed. 

            Unexpected tears came as I wrote and remembered. Then I realized my mom left us ten years ago last month. Alan’s birthday is May 5 and the eleventh anniversary of dad’s passing is on May 8. No wonder tears flowed. Grief poured over me as I miss them all but I know I am not alone. 

Loving Father, even in my hardest times, you provide for me and bless me in amazing ways. Thank you.

Amen