As I approach my 70th birthday in a few days I realize one thing: living involves challenges. Furthermore, what we learn from the challenge is what life is all about.
We recently became empty nesters once again. The stress of caring for two special needs grandchildren was more than we had ever bargained for. Beautiful, fun, loving girls. How we love them. Adapting to our ability to think about our own care now has proven to be more difficult than we anticipated.
On November 23rd Jim and I celebrated 50 years of marriage. The party our kids planned was amazing. It would be difficult to thank them appropriately for all the investment of time and money! But we try. The friends that came to celebrate with us will be forever in our hearts.
Reflecting on this year, I am sensing some major changes in my thinking. There is an awareness that life is short…….and what should I be learning? What can I do to have a positive impact on those around me? Same ole’ questions, but more urgent now.
As I began this blog my intent was to share with my four beautiful granddaughters what it feels like to be their grandmother. And for that matter, for my sons; what it feels like to watch them as husbands and fathers. I am proud of them. I continue to pray for them, their wives and daughters. I have complete faith that God will make Himself very real to each of them.
So kids, here’s what I have learned: live a life that you will not be ashamed of tomorrow, face struggles daily with honesty, seek wisdom in all things, love ‘til it hurts, and know (without a doubt) that God loves you more than I ever could! That alone, gives me peace.
My heart is beginning to sing a song again. Joy comes.