Reflections on an Empty House

As I explained last week, I’m making my way through some major changes in my life. This past week, I finished emptying out the house that Henry and I shared for the past nine years. It has been cleaned, photographed, and is now on the market. (If you know of anyone looking for a lovely, upgraded house in Marana, please share!)

I admit to some sadness as I left the empty house in the hands of the realtors last week. I don’t regret my decision to divorce—and all decisions come with consequences. Theoretically, either of us could have taken out a mortgage and bought the other out to keep the house. But I wasn’t willing, and he didn’t offer. For me, I know it’s time to move on.

Houses aren’t meant to be empty. They are built to contain families, furniture, food, and the various other furnishings of a life well-lived. This house has contained all that and more. Now, it stands empty. It’s waiting for a new family to take over and add their own chapter to the story. I am praying for that family, that they may be blessed during their time in this house and care for it well.

I’m reminded of another house we lived in, back in Albuquerque. I wrote a bit about it here. I clearly understood my role with that house to be caretaker or steward. We never owned that one, although we aspired to. This house, we did own—and now it’s time to let it go. This chapter is just about complete.

I am also trusting that there’s an empty townhouse or other smaller abode in the greater Tucson area that is waiting for its next caretaker—me. I pray that I may find the right next house and be richly blessed in caring for it and calling it home.

What homes have you cared for, then let go of, in your life? What chapters in your life have involved meaningful houses? Please pray for all who are undergoing housing transitions in their lives right now—and for all who have never been able to afford a place to call home.