What means “settle”?

One of the 8 definitions of the word settle is “to quiet, calm, or bring to rest (the nerves, stomach, etc.)”. Another of the definitions is “to migrate to and organize (an area, territory, etc.); colonize: The pilgrims settled Plymouth.”

My life seems to be in a current state of upheaval…however, I feel some settling coming in around the corner. I would say that my life is starting to become quiet, calm, and restful as I become more migrated and organized in my house and learn to colonize the area I am living in. Lately, I am feeling like my life revolves around my house. But I suppose being a new homeowner, it should, right? I foolishly decided that I wanted to paint every room in the house and it is looking great, but it’s been a LOT of work. I am super thankful for friends and family that have come by and help work the past week and a half.

Along with what “settle” means to me, I have been thinking about the idea of closure. I have experienced a lot of closure in my recent experiences. It’s funny going from one apartment and needing closer, to seeing my sister go through closure of her single life, to a brand new opening of a new place in life in both situations. I was talking to Seth when I got back from Missouri last week about moving into the new house and asking him if he had mistakenly driven to our old apartment yet. He remarked with something to the effect of “No. I had a lot of closure seeing our apartment totally empty and moving everything out of it”. That made me a bit sad. Knowing that I didn’t get to fully experience that time with him in opening up the new chapter of our lives. However, it was so meaningful to be with my sister to help her close an important chapter of her life and open an even greater one.

So – as school winds down (today is my last day of classes), I am reflecting on what it means to fully settle into our lives, as well as how it helps to have closure to do so. I am ready to close the door on this quarter – but I am sad to see friends go off on their ways for the summer. I am glad to be done with my Global Evangelical Movement, but I miss my Relief class. I am going to be excited to finish my last paper, but so thankful that I have already turned in two and only have one to go!I am excited to see where God takes my summer in the new homestead, in my sister and brother’s new life together, and how he continues to reveal his grace through settling down and being with him.