Thursday, January 29, 2009

Friends

A very dear friend sent this to me recently. Today, I found it to be very helpful. I am not sure where it's from and I apologize for borrowing it...

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away! Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

So, where are you from?

If ever there was a more difficult question to answer... Why is it that people have to ask that all of the time? Is one's identity solely dependent upon where she lives or was born? Don't misunderstand, I am glad when people show an interest, but when you have an answer like mine, the task can be daunting.

My response always begins with the ever-so-wonderful "Well...". For one thing, I'm never sure what the question means exactly. Does the questioner want to know where I currently live, where I was born, where I went to high school, where my family is based, where I've spent a majority of my time, or (insert anything else you might think the question includes)? And for another thing, my answers to all of those questions are completely different and often confusing. I know God used each of those places in my life and He guided me to each one. However, it does make for a lengthy explanation that often times might bore the listener.

So, why I am bringing this up? You would ask that... Here's the deal - right now I'm "in transit". Fortunately for me, I've gotten pretty good at moving around. Starting with a move resulting from my parents' divorce and continuing through college and many job moves, I must say that God has been preparing me for the new adventure known as Army life. That being said, lately I've begun to feel extremely restless. I am tired - physically, mentally, and emotionally tired.

I hope that my mom, brother, and sister-in-law each know how much I love and appreciate them for letting me live with them over the past seven months. But, I know they understand that it's time for me to be with Patrick again, in our own home, on our own schedule, with our own thermostat, with our own menus, etc. Nothing in the world could ever compare to the kindness my family has shown us. I'm just tired of the in-between. I'm homesick for a home I've never been to. Crazy? Probably. I'm ready to be there, wherever there is. Isn't it interesting that the word home is an acronym reminding me to get a Hold of My Emotions? Not sure that's just a coincidence.

The countdown is rolling and soon I will be too.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

To be honest...

I'd really like to put some thoughts together on my blog, but quite honestly, I'm not very creative right now. The new year has started and it seems I don't have much to say. Maybe in a few days I'll feel more like myself. So for now, Happy New Year and keep in touch!