I remember very clearly a moment that began a shift in me that occurred about 3 months after my first husband left me. I was devastated, carrying this immense pain everywhere I went but this instant began a huge change in the outlook I had for my life. My kids and I were at a Harvest Party, they were all in costume and there were lots of carnival games, candy and food. They were having a great time but I was a walking bleeding heart. Surprisingly, something one of my boys did made me laugh. I don’t even remember what it was, but it struck me as so funny and I had this hearty, real laugh that I hadn’t had in months. I caught myself, shocked at my own reaction! How was I laughing when I was in such pain, when my entire personal world was a disaster? Then slowly something dawned on me. I could laugh again, life could go on and someday, maybe someday sooner than I thought, life could be good.
The Choice
Then Christmas came and I was a wreck, putting on a face for my children. After the presents were all unwrapped I slunk back to my bedroom to cry while my lovely parents cooked a turkey. I bawled and asked God “why?” again, for the 1500th time. Unexpectedly, I felt this idea spring up in my little heart. I could mourn the life I lost forever or I could choose to move on, to begin again. So, Christmas Day, I made the choice for new life, a new beginning. I wasn’t going to be stuck looking back anymore or moaning about how it wasn’t supposed to be this way or how unfair it all was! I was going to rebuild myself and my life, with God’s help.
The New Beginning
And rebuild we did, Jesus and I. I am healthier, and happier and more content than I have ever been. I am now newly married to my wonderful, supportive husband Ralph and life is good. Have I arrived? Not by a long shot! But I am not standing still, I am growing and determined to grow some more again. As long as there is breath in me I want to be getting better. And I hope you will join me. Let’s have a new beginning right now, today and make this journey amazing! Let’s run our race of life on purpose, with meaning. Why not push each other forward a bit while we’re at it?