Small “Yeses”
October has come to be a special month for our family.
It was two years ago that we took a bold step to do things differently than we had done before. At that time, we had never taken a fall trip. We dreamed of going somewhere to see the changing leaves, but our kids’ sports schedules kept us tethered to our calendars. But by October 2020, were so ready to live out our values and to do the things we had been talking about for so long.
Our plan was to go to western North Carolina to see the leaves, which we did, and, my goodness, they were beautiful. Beyond that, we simply wanted to see more of the area in case we could ever muster up the courage to move to the mountains.
Little did we know that saying yes to something as small as a fall trip would lead to the next small yes of driving by a house we saw listed online. We had no way to know that one drive-by would lead to a two-hour showing before we left town. And we surely had no idea that would lead to us going back to Austin, calling our realtor, and listing our house for sale so we could make an offer.
Today, for me to sit in our 117-year-old home in the mountains of western North Carolina, looking out the window down our back hill to the colored leaves, I am almost in disbelief of the way things happened. To think we stood in this home just two years ago and looked at the same trees and dreamed of a life here, sometimes doesn’t make any sense to me.
But then I am reminded of what it took to get here.
By October 2020, Brandon and I had reached a point in our marriage where we both wanted the same things at the same time because we were finally dreaming together again. We were at a point in our lives where we questioned everything that was not in alignment with what we held to be most important. And we were in a place along our journey where there was a fork in the road, and we held hands and chose the path of the unknown with faith, fearlessness, and peace.
As I watch the leaves slowly change color, I am reminded of how important change can be. The bright vibrant colors make me think of what it means to live life to its fullest. And as the leaves fall softly to the ground, I am reminded once again that there is a time to let go.
I am more grateful than ever for small yeses and fall leaves.
