DETOURS

I love our home and where we live, however, there is road work being done. I am usually pretty patient and I don't get too stressed about life's little inconveniences. I know the road will be better; I know it needs to be done. I know it is only for a short period of time, etc, etc. The frustration I have in this circumstance is that it literally effects everywhere we go. Places that would normally be just down the road are now across town. It makes my three trips back into the house for the items I forgot a little more stressful. I had a pretty good attitude about it early on, but now that it is really messing up my travel I am not as patient. You would think I would plan a few more minutes to get where I am going, but I don't. Adjusting is hard.

Isn't that how we feel about our life journey sometimes. The path that we thought we would go down somehow has a detour? Or perhaps it doesn't even exist anymore. We often look at these new adventures as scary because of the unknown. But, there is someone who goes ahead of you, paves the way, and leads you down the right road. The frustrating thing to us is that we didn't get to "pick" that road. The funny thing about detours is they still lead to your original destination, if you are willing to follow.

Tonight I drove home on a quiet back road that I have only been taking because of the detours. I remember thinking, " I would have never known how beautiful this is if I didn't "have" to come this way." This is so true for my life.  There are difficult times, for sure. But, the beauty in them and the joy that I have experienced has mostly come from the "detours". When Christ leads he is able to help us see the beauty in all things. He helps us experience true joy in Himself and the roads we travel don't become such a big deal. It is all about who travels with us and where He leads.

We become willing to go anywhere as long as He is there. Our paths may take us to places where we build the roads, repair the roads, or perhaps He leads us off the beaten path. His paths are always worth taking....

Celebrate Life

 This is the time of year we say goodbye to crazy mornings, three different schools, activities, challenges, and victories as we welcome SUMMER. Hello, lazy mornings, swimming, friends, and fun! But, before we dive in I always like to pause and give God the glory for all that was accomplished each year. He graciously provides the right friends, teachers, family, and the village we need to keep our family going. He never fails. We get to journey through life with great people and for that we are beyond thankful. We pray we love on them as much as they love on us.

Our kids school journey's are as unique as their personalities. The beauty of family is that we are all individuals journeying through life together. We are headed in the same direction as we seek to bring glory to Christ and one life isn't more valuable than another. Although our paths may be different they intertwine and lead to the same destination. We get to love, challenge, and celebrate each other along the way. I can't think of a more beautiful picture. From having a great academic year and starting a new chapter, working with disabilities to achieve goals, or being nice to your preschool classmates. Those are amazing accomplishments and worthy of great celebration.

Celebrate life today. Each life. Each has purpose, plan, and God given journey. Every trial, struggle, joy, and triumph makes us who we are. Embrace yours today. It is a path worth taking....