A new day. A new beginning. A change is coming.
Time and time again, especially around my birthday, I sit back and take stock of my life and it all boils down to the words that matter: Family, Friends, Faith, Fun, Fabulous, Fierce, Favored, and yes even F*** it!
Let’s skip right to the times I’m doubled over in physical pain, these are what I call the come-to-Jesus moments. You start to examine your life, your priorities, your values. Some of those “F” words really begin to really show up
Family: One word “LOVE”. This is truly where life begins and love never ends. And that dude I call husband. Yes, it’s complicated but he loves me and I love him.
Friends: The secret’s out, the nature of your character has been unveiled and revealed. Many of you I’ve called “friend” for decades, a few – less than a year, regardless of the length of time, you have brought such powerful meaning and depth to the word friendship. We all need people who encourage us, believe in us and remind us that we are not alone. Your outpouring of love strengthens my will to live. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me. You are soul fulfilling and life-affirming. I’m so proud to know you. I admire you. Friends, you inspire me to be a better friend.
Faith: God is relentless in His pursuit of me. His love is constant, unceasing and unconditional. I cannot even begin to count the number of “God things” that have happened during this time. He has shown me mercy and grace. Every time I try to describe what God has done or is doing, words fail me. My whole being is bursting with emotions, sometimes I cry in humbleness and in awe.
Favored: Somehow, miraculously, just about everything has been in sync. Everything has been provided for or taken care of. It is as if it was all scripted and all I had to do show up at the scene. None of it has been of my own doing, nor is it a measure of my values or character. I cannot claim to have had a hand in all the favor I have received. The experience has been the definition of God’s Grace.
As I continue to manage my illness, I have a new level of awareness that life is fragile and fleeting. This experience has cleared a fog that had settled over my mind’s eye. It’s given me lots of time to think about what brings meaning and fulfillment in my life. If I were to list what I seek from life, it would include, being alive, relationships, intimacy, connectedness, being at peace, free and fulfilled.
Today, I have a clearer vision of the quality of life I want to have. I’m stepping into life with a renewed focus on living intentionally with passion and purpose.
Comments