As the evening draws on the last day of my ‘celebration month’- I find myself very much in awe of the beauty in my life. These sunflowers- a gift I gave myself, because I love them so much and how they remind me of the importance of keeping my head facing the light- and to keep my own inner light shining bright.
I look around, and I see little reminders of how much I am loved- from a box of Happy Birthday tea, roses from my sweet neighbors, cards and little gifts from friends, and much love.
I was having a very serious conversation with a friend yesterday about various situations we have gone through in life- and she mentioned a particularly difficult time I went through- and said how sorry she was that I had to encounter that.
I explained that it was a gift. It was painful, but there is no rule that I know of that says all gifts are to be wrapped up in a gorgeous box with a perfectly tied bow. Instead, some gifts come to us in challenges, pain, obstacles, so that when we work through them and exit the other side, we can embrace the entire situation for what it was- a gift in whatever way it was meant to be. Those are the most precious gifts of all- the one we have learned on the other side of heartache/heartbreak. So for those who allowed that lesson to come into play in my life- I thank you.
The past several years have been brilliant and blessed in so many ways, but littered with challenges and pain along the way. Last year was exceptionally difficult for me, but yet when I think back now- I realize it was a period of growing for everyone involved, again- another gift (although it didn’t seem so at the time).
This year- more than half way through- has been riddled with one blessing and beautiful moment after another. I know that as I enter my 49th year- that great things are on the threshold and I can not wait to see them unfold.
One thing is for sure- I will welcome them with gratitude and enthusiasm. The slate is clean- the potential endless.
For those of you who share in this journey with me- I am grateful.