An Unexpected Journey Revisited

I re-encountered this young woman during a recent visit back to my hometown. She re-emerged with each story and picture my family shared.

I don't remember the day the photo was taken, but I do recall it was in September of my senior year. I was seventeen.

I was dating my first husband at the time and had no clue what was coming. I wouldn't say I was innocent, (my family could quickly illustrate that was not the case), I was however, naïve. Growing up in a loving Christian home, I couldn't imagine the horrors some people could inflict on others. This young girl found out too quickly it isn't always safe to trust someone who says they love you.

Her eyes still hold the confidence and the assurance of the young. In many ways she was a remarkable young woman, accomplished and talented, with a lot of self-discipline. Looking back, I wish I could regain many of those traits life gradually pounded away.

There are a few similarities between the younger woman and this older one. 

Both women love to paint, to write, to be outdoors and be with family. The older woman is a bit softer, not quite as self-assured, and definitely not as disciplined, but she has no desire to go back and repeat the forty-eight years the girl has yet to face. She is too old and too tired.

And yet, one thing this older woman has that the younger one has yet to gain - a deep faith in a loving God. This came about through the tragedies, through the trials, and this older woman wouldn't change any of it, except perhaps the times she was unkind to others. A regret I believe most of us have.

Over all, I am happy with where I am in my life and who I have grown up to be. I have accepted my warts, my flaws, and my imperfections. I even manage to ignore the extra pounds and wrinkles on most days, and I can keep my accomplishments and talents in proper perspective, while still admiring the end result.

It isn't over yet. I still have stories to tell and paintings to finish, places to explore and people to love, not to mention continuing as God's witness while I walk upon this beautiful earth.

Bless all young people just setting out on their life journeys. 

May God be with them, always, as He has been for me.

It's That Time of Year Again

This is sunrise from my office window, dawning a new day, a new month, and a new year. Was it a good year? Did I do what I had hoped, what I had planned?

I have to say it was a good year in terms of memorable events. Two more grand babies were born, one in June and one in September. Then in August the biggest life change, retirement.