One day last month was moving day for a farmhouse built in the 1850s. Neighboring houses have been torn down to make way for new construction, but this house, this one house was worth saving. It is one of the oldest houses in the community and perhaps the last of a once popular and functional architectural style. The only way to save the house and a bit of the community’s history was to move it to a new location.
The house’s new home was only a few blocks away. Yet they were a long few blocks if preparations were not done properly. Carefully the master bedroom and garage were separated from the remainder of the house, lifted onto a trailer and moved into place.
Just as much care was used for the larger main portion of the house. It too was carefully lifted onto a trailer. Police to monitor and direct traffic were in place, as were utility personnel to move overhead wires out of the way and tree guys to cut overhanging tree limbs. Progress was slow, but the efforts of many people were realized when the house was moved into place.
History Matters
As I watched the efforts and progress, God reminded me of some truths. Just as not every home was worth saving in the face of new construction, so every facet of our history is not worth remembering. There are, however, moments and events that are not only worth remembering, but celebrating as well.
Site Selection is Important
Many people were interested in the farmhouse. An initial bid was rejected for zoning reasons. Others were rejected because of distance. The winner had the right site in the right location. We prepare ourselves when we allow God to do His work in us. That work might be redeeming our past, drawing us out of our comfort zones for a new work in the future, or responding to God’s discipline by confessing our sin and turning wholeheartedly to Him.
Obstacles May Need To Be Removed
Moving the farmhouse just a few blocks included cutting down tree limbs in the way. What might we need to get rid of? Perhaps memories we use to beat ourselves up with, unforgiveness we hold against others and ourselves, fear of the future and refusal to try new things.
Expect Debris
When the farmhouse was moved, debris was created at the old location, the new location and along the way. All of it had to be cleaned up. Likewise, as we prepare ourselves and remove obstacles, we should expect some debris to be created. We may find we have to deal with unhealthy relationships, curtail unproductive and time consuming activities or say no to some requests.
Time Is Required
I spent a few hours watching the most exciting part of moving the farmhouse, its visible progress along the street. I did not watch the house being moved off its foundation, nor did I see the house moved onto its new foundation. Several months will pass before the house is anchored in place and is inhabitable. Preserving the best parts of our history also takes time. God is at work. Sometimes that work is dramatic and visible, other times it is slow and almost imperceptible. We need to remain patient and open as God does His work. His timing is perfect and we can trust Him, even when it seems like nothing is happening.
For a few hours one summer day, many people gathered to watch a house move. As I stood among the people, God reminded me that my history matters. He is preparing the way ahead so that when I look back I will have a history worth preserving.