Why "Living The Never"? (Part 2)

So if you recall from Part 1, once upon a time I was 18 (yes, it really did happen) and thought I had all the answers.  By bringing Shawn into my life God softened my heart to seeing that some things that are NEVER possibly a good idea actually might be....carrying on:

At this point, perhaps I should have seen to not maintaining any "nevers", but alas my heart was not yet as formed as it would still become--thank goodness no one stays a know-it-all young adult forever! Anyway, we quickly found ourselves not only married and living on college loans, but also pregnant and not possibly any happier about it! This was SUCH a deviation from my plans at 18 and also SUCH a joy in my life. Imagine, then, my subsequent confusion and hurt when God called us to courageously and gracefully live through the experience of a miscarriage. I can say with honesty, there is nothing like the loss of a child to reinforce the importance of relationships and lead one to see what a blessing and priviledge it is to GET to have children. It was from that experience and many others along the journey that I've come to see that my greatest talent is raising children. I say this in utmost humility, knowing that there are many, many things I am most certainly NOT gifted for. I also learned that no life is one that should be hidden, but each should be celebrated and so we named our baby Angela Rose and look forward to eternity together in Heaven with our eldest child.

In spite of worrying at the time that God had given me talents I might not ever get to use, 15 months later Ellie was born and I experienced the wonder of peering into my daughter's eyes. I was an awesome first-time mom (note I most certainly did NOT say perfect) and lived in pure bliss for 3 whole weeks. About the time I once-again had it all figured out, my dad unexpectedly passed away from a complete heart attack. There's nothing like getting married, graduating, having a baby, and losing a parent to bring a person to the quick realization that you've propelled into adulthood and it's not entirely comfortable. But, once again, the shortness of a life saw to the end of reminding me how precious relationships are and hearing God's call to be open to more. I quickly saw the gift I could give to Ellie by giving her a sibling and joyfully, I let go of my plans to "never" have kids close together. I surprised even myself when we answered the Holy Spirit's call with not two, but THREE children in just 3 years. The additions of Maria and Gianna brought an even more expanded heart full of even more love and joy.

Want more?  Stay tuned for Part 3 tomorrow....

Peace be with you,
Anne
:) * +