Can we say F A S T?
Okay, so it’‘s been a little over a year since we’ve moved to sunny Florida. The year went by... whizzing by... I thought I would be able to keep up with a blog. Here’s my confession- I forgot I had one. I would remember every once in a while, but never got to sitting down and clacking away. I’m going to sum this whole year up by providing you with a list of things I’ve learned.... So let me impart some of my golden wisdom upon you...
1- Family far away sucks. Simply put. There’s no sugar coating this one.
2- Education for the Deaf suffers and lacks in this great nation. Some states have it worse off. The one my children attend- is a great one. (I’m not saying perfect) but it is led by a woman who understands, respects, and embraces all there is about Deafness. She is a gem.
3- God knows what He’s doing. I’ve suffered from anxiety and panic attacks (mainly while driving)-- since moving here, I’ve been driving more than ever. I’ll stay away from the interstates though. The last time I drove on it, I was going 90 mph and the coolant hose blew. Perhaps, God was saying slow down? See?! He knows what He’s doing. This whole move, this life transition has become more personal than I thought it would. The focus went from entirely on the children to all five of us as a family and even me as an individual.
4- Regardless of how perfect and how amazing your marriage is, it takes work. The results are always awesome!
5- You WILL lose a lot of friends along the way, especially in a life transition- such as moving out of state. “Friends” disappear and stay in touch only through the “likes” on Facebook. There are some (a few, yeah, like really few) friends that have sent me a ‘hello, thinking of you’ or ‘miss you’ texts and a couple of friends who send me cards. These friends are the ones I’ll forever cherish. Er’body else went bye-bye. Here’s another thing I’ve learned- I’m okay with that. I’ve actually gained a couple of friends (not pounds this time, whoohoo!) in this town, such awesome, loving, Godly people. There are no words for these awesome folks. There are three people that have been my rock, my escape, my laugh, my kleenex, my venting board, and more...
Sara, Mary, and Rooster-Thank you for you.
6- I am stronger than I think. I thought it would be impossible to be away from family, to be away from the place I’ve called home for 30+ (a true lady never tells her age) years. I thought I would never drive again. I thought, I thought, I thought... then I realized it’s all in my head. The funny thing is-- the Bible says that. The battle is in the MIND. (Again, God knows what He’s doing!)
Physically- I’m exercising now, enjoying life more. Spiritually- I’m depending on God more, a lot more (which I think was the ultimate lesson for me in this whole move). There are other ways that I’ve seen and learned that I am stronger than I thought I was. Time to flick that weak thinking out of mind and remember that in HIM, I can do all things. That says ALL and I believe that now more than ever.
7- More people are going to visit you than EVER because you live in coastal Florida. No complaints here.
8- Lazy afternoons spent by the water is, IS therapeutic.
9- There is no place like North Rome Church of God. If you have the privilege of calling NRCOG home, do not... do not.... take it for granted. I CRAVE for what you have.
10- Life’s a journey. Live it. No more waiting til Monday, next week, or tomorrow. The “I will” will become “I wish.”
Again, the year went by F A S T. Take a step back, breathe, and enjoy the ride.....