Relocating your family from one city or state to another can lead to immense stress and pressure on everyone. If you have moved before, you know what I mean. Relocating brings struggles and problems as you make decisions and act on them. Sadly, we often turn on the ones we love most when we are stressed. This article is designed to help you keep stress to a minimum and strengthen your connection to God and each other.
The Job Hunt
No matter the reason for relocating, one or both of you will need jobs. As you begin the search, often online, stay in good communication with your spouse. Have meaningful conversations about how you will cope if the move happens but only one person has the needed job. Talk about how you will manage and what it means for your family. Offer help in updating the resume. There is a lot of fear in the unknown, and when you move without a job in place, your spouse needs you. Be available to give emotional support and be the support system your spouse needs.
The School Hunt
No matter the age of your children, you will need to find the preschool, public school, or private school best suited for your family. Discuss the pros and cons of public versus private schools. Know what your budget allows for and move forward wisely. The internet makes the world seem smaller, allowing you to search for schools in the new area. Look up information on school websites and social media. Make phone calls or email administration if you have questions. Don’t be afraid to ask all types of questions. These are your sweet children, and you want the best for them. Find out about specialty areas in the schools, extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports. Talk with your real estate agent or others in the new area about local schools. Read reviews and public records. Communicate the information you find with your spouse and agree on the best place for your children.
The Budget Talks
Moving to a new city costs a lot of money, and we advise against going into debt over this. Learn about the cost of living in the new location compared to your current city. Is it higher, lower, or equal? This affects your housing, groceries, clothing, and bills. Look at your current financial situation before you hire a moving company. Is this a luxury you can afford? Will you rent or buy a house? What about the sale of your current home? This depends on your current employment situation, so ask these questions. Think about your savings. Did you save enough for this move? Do you have a safety net if the income doesn’t match what it once did? Knowing what you can afford will make a difference because you don’t want added financial stress from the move. This is a heavy subject, and no one likes to look at those dollar signs. However, spending time analyzing your finances can help give you peace of mind, avoid additional debt, and draw you closer to each other.
The Church Hunt
Did you know you can begin looking for a new church before the move even happens? Once again, thank the internet for this! Research church websites and social media channels. Watch services online. Find out the mission and beliefs of different churches and see if they align with your spiritual beliefs. Don’t forget to learn about the children and youth ministries. You want to prioritize your whole family staying connected to God through a local church. Once you are in your new location, visit the churches several times and have family conversations about your experiences. Consider your children’s opinions. Then, as a couple, decide which church to join. Once you’ve done that, dive into a volunteer ministry. Your local church will never feel like your home church until you join a ministry. Doing this provides a sense of belonging within the church and helps you get even more connected in your community.
The Emotions
Moving is hard. Plain and simple. It’s often not easy to start over. Communicate openly about the goals and reasons for the move. Make sure you are on the same page. Share how you feel about leaving friends and family behind. Make plans to visit because this will give you something to look forward to. While you both struggle emotionally, it’s not always equal. One person typically experiences moments of sadness or fear more than the other. There is so much happening all at once.
Communicate openly about how you feel. It’s okay to feel sadness or fear, but don’t bottle it all inside. Talk to your spouse. If you notice your spouse struggling, be patient and ask what you can do to help. Be the strong shoulder your loved one can cry on. Offer prayers of peace and comfort. Your spouse needs to feel the arms of Jesus at this moment. Dig into the Word and pray when you are struggling emotionally. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Starting Over
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:18-19).
This verse says it all:
“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past” is a command from God warning you not to get stuck and not move forward to the new chapter in your life.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” is a promise from God that He is doing something in this new chapter and wants us to look for that positive thing.
“I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” is another promise from God reassuring you that it may look dark and dismal, but He is moving in ways you cannot see.
Let this verse encourage you as you take the step forward in relocating your family.
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