Thankful Thursdays

The other day, Lauren and I were looking back on the past few years, and we found ourselves amazed at what has transpired. It gave a whole new meaning to the familiar question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Looking back, I can tell you that what actually happened was mostly not on the list when I asked myself that question five years ago. Not everything was a surprise, but some things… well…

For starters, a pandemic was the last thing I would have imagined. Who would’ve?

Then came four surgeries. Moving Danny to Texas. Helping out with Lauren’s business. The joy and whirlwind of celebrating our children’s weddings and then, becoming empty nesters. And finally, buying a home in a place we had dreamed about for decades.

These past five years have probably been the busiest stretch of my life. Most of the time, it felt like life was moving at warp speed. And just when what I want is to slow it down.

Today, I’m thankful for the strength to get through the hard parts. Immensely thankful for the joy of watching our children start their own families. And thankful that a dream we held onto for decades finally became real.

The five-year question is funny, isn’t it? Because when we ask it, we usually picture only plans and goals. But life has a way of writing parts of the story we never planned.

If you look back at the last five years of your life, what is one thing that happened that you never could have predicted, but are grateful for today?

And dare I ask myself today… where do I see myself in five years?

Oh my.

“Maybe the real peace comes not from knowing the plan, but from trusting the One who does.”
-Unknown

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
-J. Lennon

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