Moving forward

Three years ago I returned to college.  Shortly after that our family endured a very traumatic event.  Two years ago I became a SAHM with no kids at home to care for. Shortly before the kids started school I returned to the workforce.  One year ago I was working, going to school, and trying to take care of my family.  We left our church of many years in search of God’s plan for us. Seven months ago I stopped working because my health was quickly deteriorating.  A few months later my “perfect” marriage was shaken in a very real and humbling way.  Just weeks ago it seems, I was struggling to get up and down stairs because of the pain and fatigue I faced on a daily basis.

Today, I ran (and walked) over 2 miles, had a ministry meeting with our pastor, and enjoyed some quality “me” time.  I joined my husband and mother-in-law for lunch.  Tonight my baby boy attempts to score a role in a professional theater group.  In a few weeks I’ll be co-leading the launch of small groups at our new church. In less than a month I’ll be running in my first 5K with an awesome friend by my side. In a few months I will graduate from college.

In the past few years I’ve been broken. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Today I am not only running this part of my physical journey, I am making leaps and bounds toward holistic healing in my life.  As I see upcoming dates as reminders of the heartache in my past, I celebrate. I celebrate the victories each new day brings.

My body has been restored.  My marriage is being restored.  We are now part of an amazing new community of faith that supports us and our dreams.  As I look towards the future, it’s with a grateful heart that I can see the redemption in my past.  Today I embrace the future.  The ups and downs of life may be hard, but they are always worthwhile when we let God take control of the details.