Tonight I have so many things on my heart that need to be documented. There will be no rhyme or reason to this post...just random thoughts I've had today.
First, I thought today about all the "unknowns" I've conquered this past year:
1. God gave me peace and courage to change a situation I felt was out of my control. Divorce is definitely not part of God's perfect will for anyone, but His grace is sufficient to carry me through it. I am now a statistic (something I wanted to avoid at all costs), but God's peace surpasses all understanding. Along with this came the unknown of being a single mom. That's probably the most unglamorous stereotype I've ever been labeled, but I wear it proudly. My kids are the one (or four, if you want to get technical) thing that keeps me willing to face unknowns.
2. I stepped out into the unknown world of university life! I've put this off for so long simply because I was nervous about being one of those obnoxious "older" students.I'm pretty sure I've succeeded at fooling everyone into believing I'm just a "normal" student. And I really love college! (Although, I'm ready to finish ASAP.)
3. I re-entered the working world and added the unknown insurance world to my list of conquerables. If someone had told me back in April that I would know what 100/300/100 means or that I would actually be a licensed insurance producer by August, I don't think I would have believed them. God has blessed me with an incredible job, working with amazing people (including my sister).
4. I drove to Atlanta with my four munchkins and conquered the unknown of traveling alone with four grumpy kids! :-) No, actually, they were great, and the whole trip empowered me and helped me to realize I can do this!!
5. There are many more--new elementary school, new friendships, changed friendships, emotions I've never felt before, vulnerability--you name it, I'm pretty sure I've covered it this year. If not, then I'm sure God has new "unknowns" waiting just around the corner. :-)
My other random subject deals with my precious kids. Last night was awful! (Keep reading to get to the good part.) Hunter had a rough night and didn't want to go to bed. He's a little too much like his mama and stresses out about grades if they're not all A's. I was hoping he had slept it off, but much to my chagrin he woke up just as grumpy this morning. Being a mom stresses me out! It got to the point where I literally threw my hands up and said, "I don't know what to do."
Much to my surprise, Hunter came home from school a different kid. As I was getting ready to tuck the kids in bed, Hunter said, "Mom, we should read the Bible before we go to bed." Of course, I told him that was a great idea, so he read us a whole chapter of Colossians. How sweet to hear his little voice read the Word of God as his brothers and sister listened. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes. We ended the night by singing songs together and I could only marvel at God's perfect timing. He knew I was at my wit's end...and he used my 9-year-old son to encourage me. I'm so amazed...and so thankful.
Life isn't perfect, but life is definitely good.
