The Emotions of Moving Back to My Small Hometown
Hi friends.
Today, I wanted to take some time to talk about the beauty (and a couple complaints) of living in the country as I recently moved back home to my ‘humble’ small town and couldn’t not talk about it. (and at the same time, I want to talk about the emotional rollercoaster it is of moving back home)
About 6 months ago, I moved back home after battling with some of life’s challenges. As a Gen-Zer, I have come to learn that this is a more and more common thing (especially in this economy but that’s a different story). I actually have numerous friends in similar positions as I am which has been greatly comforting. Truthfully, moving back home was never an initial plan that I had in mind. But it was obvious that God had other plans in His mind. After getting over the mental battle of feeling like I let myself down by going back to my hometown, I put my trust in God that He would protect me and put me on the right path- even if that path is not the one I thought to be for me.
In high school, I couldn’t wait to get out of this small town. I could list reasons upon reasons as to why I needed to get out, but I didn’t realize how truly bad I needed it until I got to college- I was right in needing to get out of the bubble of a community. I needed to experience more life. To learn about different groups of people, ideas, cultures. I needed to get out of that toxic relationship that made me hold myself back- I needed to learn to speak for myself. I needed to experience going out, staying in, living with roommates. crying over schoolwork because I failed a test or jumping with joy because I passed an exam with flying colors. I needed to learn more about myself and learn how to be a better friend, a better daughter, a better stranger, a better human in general. I needed to go through the highs and lows. And ultimately, everything that I went through there, brought me back to God, brought me back to becoming a follower of Christ. I truly believe that Texas A&M University was the perfect place for me, and I am so glad I got to experience it to its full capacity.
What I wasn’t ready for, though, was to leave the amazing town of College Station. The last time I lived at home I was miserable. High school was rough. But God knew what he was doing by bringing me back home. Since being home, I have been able to open my eyes and experience East Texas I once knew and loved- the East Texas I knew prior to people ruining my happy place for me.
I have been able to experience the East Texas hospitality I always missed. I get to eat all my favorite foods, all the local restaurants, all my dad’s cooking (I have gained 15 pounds since moving back….). I get to hang out with my best friend (and her hubby) all the time. I get to see my family more – I especially love my time with my nephews.
And the best of it all- I get to experience the outdoors. Every night and morning the sun paints pictures in the sky of oranges and yellows, blues, purples and pinks, clouds of cotton candy. I get to experience the thrill of reeling in a fish after casting out nothing but duds all day. At night, you can’t miss the sound of bullfrogs and crickets croaking all around. Sitting on my porch, I can find a variety of birds – cardinals, mockingbirds, hummingbirds, etc., etc., - as they feed from our feeders. I love having the opportunity to ride four wheelers and go mudding- nothing beats a mud ride with some drinks and your best friends.
Recently, my best friend had some beavers decide they wanted to move onto her land. And when we went to unblock a culvert from their doings, I just sat, looking around, listening, appreciating everything around me. That day was simple; we weren’t out there for long, we had to deal with a stupid snake, and even despite the mosquito bites, I was comforted by God’s presence as I watched the sun go down. The country is just so beautiful.
God made nature so intentionally, and it boggles my mind sometimes. He made us a part of that nature, too- with those same intentions- which I am so grateful for. I am grateful for everything God has given me in my life- but here lately, I have been extra grateful not just for nature, but for my hometown and the beauty it brings.
I would be lying if I said moving back home has been all sunshine and rainbows. (Especially as I am in the midst of figuring out the rest of my life) But every day, I wake up happy with the plan that God has for me.
That being said, one major complaint I have found in my time back home is lacking things to do (as I mentioned above). However, instead of complaining all the time about the newfound boredom of living in a small town, I am trying to fill my time in better ways (aka hobby-maxxing here lately). As you guys know, I started reading and writing again and that has been a great change for me. I have had more time to do my junk journal which I have greatly grown to love doing. I have had more time to even simply watch TV and color (a hobby that always never fails me even when low energy). I have more time to simply be creative- something I had been missing for a long time and didn’t realize I had missed it so much. (something I think was a part of God’s plan, honestly)
So no, I may not have a mall to go to. I may not have activities of plethora to do. I may have to drive a little further for certain things. But my hometown still has a charm that I am starting to appreciate more and more.
It has an old school movie theatre- that keeps its old school prices thankfully. Built in 1900, the gorgeous old courthouse sits in the middle of the square- always lit up at Christmas time (it was always like something straight out of a hallmark movie to me as a child). Nearby the courthouse, there is a strip of shops- boutiques, a bookstore, some local restaurants, a coffee shop, and some other store- all in buildings-built generations ago. It simply has a charm that you can’t find in a place like Dallas.
I say all of this to bring comfort not only to myself but to all of those who have been put in similar situations- the situation of having to move back home, back in with your parents, or somewhere else unplanned. It is not easy, but it is important to use everything life throws at you as an opportunity, not a challenge. Trust in God’s plan. Trust that He will protect you. Trust that God will open all the correct doors for you. And when He does open those doors, you must be sure you are willing and ready to walk through them.
A lot of life is what you make out the situation you are given. With the situation I was given with having to move back home, I am choosing to be happy with it and see the goodness and opportunity it can bring instead of dwelling on the ‘what-ifs’ of living elsewhere.
I hope all of my readers can make the best of their situations, too.
Bye for now.
JessC
A Nature Girly at Heart
Wanted to share a couple of photos that show a sliver of the beauty that East Texas has to offer. My hometown will always hold a special place in my heart.
