The Waiting Walk

Family. Is there anything that can compare to the love and support that a truly loving family provides? I don’t think so. Our view of life starts before we are born and as we grow and develop we are shaped in ways that either set us up for success or make our lives just a little (or a lot) harder.

My family is a mix of these.

I don’t even have words to express how grateful I am that I grew up with two loving parents who were committed to God and to each other. There is no value that can be placed on this experience. I am who I am today because of the amazing start they gave me in life as well as the tremendous support they have been to me over the last two years, even from 2000 miles away.

My children didn’t get that same privilege. We just celebrated 10 years together, and a lot of those years even were stressful and strained. But here’s the amazing thing: God can mend what evil has broken. God can heal what the enemy has tried to destroy. And when that happens? There is no limit to what can be done. The people who have seen the other side, who have looked evil and brokenness in the eye but by God’s strength kept moving on and growing anyway, they are unstoppable. God can, does, and will use them to change the world one life and one accomplishment at a time. And it is just so amazing to watch. Beauty from ashes. Light from the darkness. Healing from pain. Grace and hope from despair. Joy in the morning…

My parents weren’t perfect. My kids aren’t perfect. And I am certainly far from perfect. But right now we are each seeking to be our best self. To listen when God talks. To act when God prompts. To share with others this love and joy that He has gifted to our beautiful family. And I can hardly contain my joy that this is where we all are in life, each in our own ways.

My parents flew in to experience all the graduations with us this year. It was so amazing to have them here with us for ten days. So I asked my friend if she would squeeze us in for a photo shoot. With kids launching to college, who knows when we will all be together again! Karen J Hawley Photography is amazing. I absolutely love the results.