This evening I read a blog post that really touched my heart. Life is not always what we expect, nor is it always what we think we want, but somehow it becomes what we need. I am a person who loves many things and people most of all. During the last several years, major upheaval has taken place in my life and in the lives of many that I hold dear. It was gut-wrenching, heart-breaking change and tried my soul to the core. The blog I read was written by a friend who also faced this same challenge. Her story is poignant and hopeful and helps renew my faith in the resilience of my fellow sojourners.
I did not start out my life thinking I would be what I am today. My thoughts were very simple: grow up, get married, have children and become a mother. Simple goals for a very simple person, or so I thought. I did get the part right about growing up, getting married, having children and becoming a mother, but my life has out stripped all of my expectations, fears, and imaginings in ways I would never have even attempted to contemplate.
Who could have imagined that I would give birth to eleven very talented, creative, beautiful people? Even though life, ideas and even continents separate us, I love each one of them so completely. They have brought a joy to my life that is impossible to describe. There are no words to describe how I feel about each one of these amazing individuals. I joy in their joy and sorrow in their sorrows.
Life has taught me that you cannot go back in time and right a wrong, though you can say, "I'm sorry." Life has taught me that you can't live someone else's life for them, but you can send prayers up on their behalf. Life has taught me to be thankful for each moment, each breath, each blink of an eye, because you never know when it may be your last.
This journey I am on is ever changing, evolving and creating a new vision of me. Through all the changes, there is one thing that has remained constant. It is my faith in my Heavenly Father. He has been my rock and my foundation. I am amazed at His love and mercy, His kindness and faith in me.
Life brings changes, just as my friends and I have experienced. Life will continue to bring changes. My husband once said that it is the process of surviving the changes that refine us. I think he may be on to something.
So tomorrow is a new day, another day to face the challenges, another day to strive to be a better vision of myself. I am sure I will make mistakes and falter. I am also sure, that I will be able to pick myself up from the dust and try again. If nothing else, Life is amazing and what a wonderful blessing it is.
