The last box was carried into the house. It was stacked with the others making a wall that lined a path to the kitchen. I knew what was inside the boxes. Some had toys and trinkets for the kids. Others had dishes and glassware. Some had books. One had everything from the junk drawer dumped into it because I was too tired to sort any more. Inside those boxes was what would make our new apartment feel like home... eventually. 

Inside that small apartment felt safe. To know and be known is a feeling of safety. I missed the old guard that helped me juggle the stroller, the kids, and grocery bags into the elevator. I missed the elderly lady who smiled at the kids and once in a while had a piece of candy for them. I knew where to buy fresh vegetables and fruit. The vendors knew me and what I liked. 

Transition is tough. When we go through that hard season of “in-between” where no one knows us and we know no one, we may feel like God has forgotten us, too. Psalm 139 is a good reminder that He fully knows us. He knew us when He was creating us, and He still knows us right where we are. He knows our thoughts, our feelings, and He knows exactly what we need. It is during those times of feeling unknown that I lean in a bit more to this Psalm to remind myself that someone does know me and I am not alone. 

A few months after living in that new place, I walked up to the local tea shop. The owner smiled really big and asked if I wanted my usual, passion fruit red tea with a little sugar. That was the best feeling. The first sign that I was getting to know and be known in my neighborhood.