We Are Fam.i.ly!
/ˈfam(ə)lē/
a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.
all the descendants of a common ancestor.
“Friends are the Family you choose!”
Throughout my life, I have moved a lot! 11 times throughout my childhood, including 4 states and 8 schools. No, my parents were not in the military. That is typically the first question I receive when I mention how many times I have moved. I think part of moving was just living a life of adventure and experience. I have many interesting experiences that have shaped who I am, and have made more friends along the way. I do have connections with a few of them even today, and love that we have been able to stay connected over the years.
I have realized that the only constant in life is change. Change is inevitable, and I have learned well how to embrace change and roll with it. I believe every experience in life leads to the next for a specific reason. We have all likely heard it said that “hindsight is 20/20.” As we grow older, the experiences we once had will shape our future and that of our children and their children. How we handle change in life will determine our happiness.
I seem to have an itch for change, and that is where I thrive. I enjoy the thrill of new experiences and exploring unknown places. My immediate family and I have lived in our current home for 12 years now! WOAH, right? That may not be as common today as it once was, and I am always itching to move, remodel, or rearrange furniture. I get a feeling of happiness and satisfaction when my home feels fresh and new. I don’t really know if this is what draws me to the idea of moving, but I always enjoyed the process of packing and purging. Setting up a new bedroom and creating the space exactly how I wanted was exciting for me as I grew up. I even moved bedrooms 3 times in the final house I lived in as a teenager!!
I have mentioned in the past how I love traveling. Most recently I was invited on a trip to Myrtle Beach with my mother-in-law, a couple from church, and my sister-in-law. I had a lovely time staying in a resort right on the Atlantic Ocean. The crashing waves created a peaceful, serene setting, and I simply LOVE the beach! I seem to chase the sun and soak up as much Vitamin D as possible when we are in Southern climates. Despite the loud, crashing waves, the ocean brings a sense of calm and peace to my soul. I cannot count the number of times my emotions almost overwhelmed me as I thought about the beauty of God’s creation, and how he guides us to the right place at the perfect time.
He places people along our paths and in our lives to speak truth and love over us. I also trust that He is using me to do the same for others. Through my experiences, I am intentional in spreading love, hope, and joy despite how I may be feeling. God has placed friends in my life that are really family to me. I have seen love in action in many ways through my chosen family and I am forever grateful! It is my prayer that you, too, will take the time to establish friendships that will grow deep roots in God’s love. Friendships that are not only lasting, but able to withstand the storms of life, and rally around you when you need a hand up. Friends that will love you through the changes, and cheer you on. Friends to laugh with, cry with, and everything in between.
I love the family that God has given me!
