“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” — Matthew 8:20 (NLT)
Packing Up the Past
Just recently, I moved out of the apartment I had been living in near my office. As I wrapped up my clothes, packed my bags, and tidied the space one last time, I felt something I didn’t expect: peace.
The day was spent organizing, sorting, and letting go, throwing away what I didn’t need, leaving behind what no longer served me, and carefully packing only what I truly needed. I made sure everything was clean, orderly, and ready to return to the owner, free of worry. It was exhausting, but quiet and deeply reflective.
This wasn’t just a physical move. It felt spiritual, too.
A New Kind of Move
Unlike the past—when I moved apartments for work, school, or career demands—this move was different. I wasn’t transferring for convenience or a new job.
I was moving because of a sabbatical. Because of God’s invitation to rest.
Because it’s time to follow Him into something new—even if I don’t know all the details yet.
Rather than sign a long-term lease, I chose flexible, short-term stays, where I could breathe, reflect, and have a personal retreat with the Lord. For this season, I want to be ready to move wherever God leads. No strings, no roots too deep. Just Him.
The Verse That Hit Me
While closing my luggage, I was reminded of this verse from Matthew:
Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
— Matthew 8:19–20
Jesus didn’t sugarcoat what it meant to follow Him. There is a cost to obedience, and sometimes that means letting go of stability, predictability, or comfort. And yet… there is joy in the letting go.
Letting Go to Follow Jesus
I used to think I’d love living out of a suitcase—going from town to town with just a backpack and a heart full of adventure. But when you’ve grown used to a place, when you’ve made it feel like home, it’s hard to leave. There’s comfort in familiarity. We adjust, we settle, and soon, we don’t want to move.
And yet, life pushes us.
God calls us.
Circumstances shift, and suddenly, we’re packing again—not just things, but memories and emotions, too.
I’ve moved so many times—from dorm rooms after college to different apartments during my working years. Each move taught me something. Each place shaped me, introduced me to new people, and prepared me for what was next.
But this time, the move wasn’t required—it was invited. God was asking me to make space, to slow down, to rest in Him.
And even though there’s no permanent address in this moment, I’m not anxious. I’m grateful. I get to choose where I stay, who I spend time with, and how I spend my days. That’s freedom. And that’s grace.
Following Jesus Is Costly—But Worth It
Letting go of my job and my apartment wasn’t easy. There were questions. There were doubts. But over time, God made it clear:
This is the way—walk in it.
(see Isaiah 30:21)
If you’ve followed my journey, you know this wasn’t a quick “Yes, Lord.” It was a prayer-filled and faith-stretched decision. But I’m glad I said yes. Because this obedience has led me to moments I never imagined—moments of serenity, beauty, and deep dependence on God.
What I’m Learning in This Season
- God doesn’t always call us to stay. Sometimes, He invites us to move, to make room for something new.
- Letting go can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also freeing.
- We don’t need to know where we’re going, only Who we’re following.
- A life surrendered to Christ is never wasted, even when it’s uncertain.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there something or somewhere God is asking you to let go of?
- What “comfort zones” might be keeping you from stepping into what’s next?
- Are you open to following Jesus even if it means leaving behind stability or control?
A Final Encouragement
You don’t have to have it all figured out to obey God.
You don’t need a permanent address to be held by His presence.
Maybe your move today isn’t physical. Maybe it’s emotional, spiritual, or relational. But know this—if God is leading you, He will also sustain you.
Follow Him. Let go of what was. Make space for what He’s doing now.
There is joy ahead. There is growth in the unknown.
And there is peace, even when you’re living out of a suitcase, so long as Jesus is with you.
Faithfully,
Yani 💛
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