Without further ado...a conclusion (for now):
Needless to say, we now live in WA, miles and miles and miles from so very much that I hold so dear. Many days I ache for the comfort of that, but many days I'm thankful that of all the surprising things for someone who'd been holding down 3 jobs, I'm now once again (and exclusively) a stay-at-home mom. I have a greater appreciation for it this time around and a clear understanding of the need to still see myself first and foremost as a daughter of God. Shawn, meanwhile, is working harder than ever and making steady, beautiful progress for the youth and young adults of the Seattle archdiocese, as well as in his own professionalism. God has provided him several opportunities for growth ;) and in my humble opinion he's continued to grow quite rapidly as an amazing man of God through this new work. You see, God knew what we could not until trusting to see His plan through: this new life might not be easy, but it challenges us to be authentically who we say we are and call on the Holy Spirit as our source of virtue and way to Heaven. An easy life would not require this increase in dedication to the virtues, so I find myself able to be grateful for the struggles.
Since getting here and realizing somewhere along my journey that speaking "nevers" is openly inviting God into my life, I've found a peace in being called to the parts of this life that make me uncomfortable. In those places that seemed so foreign--and sometimes wrong--to my feeble 18-yr-old mind, I've been stretched to greater virtue and holiness than I could have ever hoped for. I get choked up with gratitude for all the gifts God has given us that would have been missed if I'd stuck to my "nevers". We're far from perfect and thankful that God loves us each day regardless, as well as ever so glad that He is the one laying the path before our feet--He certainly knows better than I!!
To conclude (you thought it would never come?), through listening each day to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, we now find ourselves in a situation where we are young and naive compared to most people in our state of life. Although, truth be told there are very few people these days who will ever be in "our state of life". God calls each of us to a unique path, but there is no greater road we can walk than the one He lays before our feet. I've come to be grateful, then, that I NEVER know exactly what's coming next, because it turns out I really like His surprises! Never, my friends, say never.
Peace be with you,
Anne
:) * +
Anne: I've so enjoyed your Blog. I started reading on the last post, and had to go to the beginning. I started a blog a few years ago and put two posts on it over about a year's time. Decided blogging isn't for me!
ReplyDeleteLet me first say my heart is inspired by your story, and my prayers are with you.
In response, I do find instances where never is appropriate. If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would work at the newest school in our Archdiocese, I would NEVER have believed you. At that time high schoolers scared me! If you would have told me that I would quit a job I was quite comfortable in and go back to school at my age, again I NEVER would have understood that logic. (Still don't, and wonder what the heck is going on!)
So I guess in past tense, NEVER works. As for the future, though, one NEVER knows!
Incidentally, you are in my favorite part of the country. Blessings to you as you continue to live out your never-ending story. (Eternity, you know!)
Peace, love and prayers,
Marisa