Breaking the Silence

It has been a LONG time since I posted last. I have spent the past five months processing, walking down memory lane, trying to cope with the months ahead. There has been many a parent who walks this road and our journey is not complete.

2014 brought many changes. Our son, Dylan became a teenager, and Abby turned 18. We celebrated 25 years of marriage. Our pastor moved away and one of my best friends was diagnosed with cancer. I couldn't find many words to say, so this is the first time that I write again.

We are now in the fourth day of 2015. Today our new pastor began his journey with us. He walked us through the history of our church and talked about forgetting the past and dreaming big dreams. It struck a cord with me, near and dear to my heart. I have spent the past five months walking down memory lane, stuck in the past that was almost paralyzing. Change often does that to us. We love life as it is most of the time. Familiarity brings us so much comfort. Some people have a hard time accepting change and choose to live a life that doesn't allow one to move forward. Yet, change is a part of life that cannot be avoided; whether friends and family grow up, we grow old or we lose those that we love, change is inevitable. We cannot stop the clock or interfere with God's divine purpose or plan. The only thing that we can control is how we face change.

I think sometimes, if we focus on what was, we don't have to face what if or what will be. As a parent, we have invested every ounce of our being into the life of our kids and into their friends. Some parents believe it is only their duty to give a child food, clothing and shelter. To walk the journey of life with a child; to walk and talk faith, friendships, family and purpose, to teach and coach and cheer and mourn is so beyond providing just the basics.

God has created each one of us for a purpose, to glorify Him. With each season of life comes purpose. All that happens to us is part of our story, woven into the tapestry of our being. With change comes new ministries, a new mission, a new purpose. It looks different and at times it is hard to dream big dreams, because we are stuck in our tunnel. We can embrace change with grace and dignity or we can resist and have negative attitudes that interfere with God's best for us.

God grant us the ability to embrace change, to enjoy each moment that we have and not wish for one more. Help us to not look back but to press forward, having hope that new seasons will bring new opportunities. Help us dream big dreams and help us to make a difference in the lives of others
who are walking behind us and the vision to see open doors of what is ahead for us. Above all else, may I continue to be more like Jesus and keep my eyes on Him. For if my focus is steadfast on the One who knows what lies ahead, HE will prepare us for that which is to come!