We all hear that things happen for a reason. It is something that many people find comfort in when things occur that they cannot explain. People like to apply this thought process to tragedy to find peace in times where no answer is apparent. This past week offered my wife and me the opportunity to see a silver lining while searching for a house.
The housing market in the Raleigh-Durham area is one of the hottest in all of America. Houses typically stay on the market for less than a week; especially ones in a desirable location. My wife and I found a home that seemed to fit the bill for what we were looking for, in fact, it was the first offer we had placed. Subconsciously we did not expect the seller to accept our offer. Then at around 9 o’clock that night we were informed by our real estate agent that the seller accepted the offer; albeit with a few small adjustments on the terms. In total shock, we were on our way to being homeowners.
Now, this whole process we regularly prayed together and asked for guidance and consulted family members to ensure we were making a sound choice. The house was at the top of our budget, but it was completely renovated and had a layout that was beautiful. The location would provide a much shorter commute for both my wife and me. That night we poured our hearts out to our Heavenly Father seeking confirmation that we had made a wise choice. Was this the place we were supposed to settle at for our first home?
We concluded our prayer and laid in bed, neither one of us slept particularly well, that is saying a lot because I never struggle to sleep. When we woke up, we were feeling a little more comfortable with the choice. Around 10 o’clock the next day I get a text that informs me that the seller did not sign the offer and that another one had come in. Now, this is more aline with the stories we had heard in regards to the housing market. The new deadline was noon to present our best offer and then let the chips fall where they may. The night prior we had asked our Heavenly Father to let us know if this was not the right direction.
After hearing this news, I was prompted to text a friend who works in the police department to get his opinion on the neighboorhood. Long story short he felt that it was not the best option due to some of the trouble in the surrounding areas. After taking his advice, we decided to pull our offer. A sense of calmness and relief washed over both myself and my wife. This whole experience helped us realize that we may be ready for a house in certain aspects, and we want to wait a couple of years before purchasing a home. We love our life that we have now and we have had a lot of firsts in the recent year.
Not getting the house could be viewed as a negative; however, it is a blessing. We now have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the Holidays. We do not have to stress about mortgages, house inspections, moving, and leaving our fantastic little apartment. The more simple we live, the more we can enjoy life. I am eternally grateful for prayer and for the fact that my wife and I heeded the promptings of the spirit. There are silver linings all around us; it is up to you to see them!
Nunc Coepi 