Memory Lane

So last week I took a little stroll down memory lane. It got me thinking a lot about where I am and how I got here. I am still in shock sometimes that I am actually living in here in Redding. Even the other day, keep in mind this is April, I was leaving the apartment complex thinking I really live here. It's not just some weekend conference, I actually live here. I even get mail here. (For some reason that always makes it seem more real to me). It's funny because at the beginning of the school year Justine and I would leave school and say to one another, thank God we get to come back on Tuesday! It's really real!

Wednesday morning a friend and I took Justine down to the Sacramento Airport. As we were driving back to Redding we were talking about life and how we got to where we are. We talked about high school, college and the crazy times that are included in those years. As we were talking it hit me that all along God had a plan for my life. He knew I would make mistakes and do some stupid stuff, and walk a different path for a while. But ultimately He knew I'd return to Him. He knew within a just a few years I'd be here in Redding. And all along the way He protected me. He's so good. I won't lie, my heart was totally broken at one point. But I am thankful that He put the pieces back together one at a time to make me whole. And He's still protecting me. I have great memories with great people, I am thankful for each and everything I learned in that chapter of my life (let me tell you I learned a lot!), and the people who were right there with me. But I am even more thankful that I was being looked after each step of the way. Sometimes I wonder thought what it would be like if I took the other path... As I think about it I get overwhelmed; kids??, husband??, and Red Robin swirl through my brain. I take a deep breath and simply begin thanking God for the countless ways He protected me and for where I am now. (Even though I still work at Red Robin). I am looking forward to the day when the husband and the kids come along (a day when I will no longer work at Red Robin!) don't get me wrong, but I am so glad that's not where I am right now. I look at people my age who are married and have kids, or just have kids and I think man, I can't even imagine being married right now, let alone have kids. Maybe it's just because I haven't met Mr. Right, but whatever the reason, I thank God I am not there yet! I don't mind the wait and to be honest, I am enjoying this adventure.

This adventure is and has been absolutely amazing. I wish everyone could experience this and what it's like. I couldn't have picked a better way to spend this year and wouldn't trade it for anything. Moving here and coming to school is definitely in the top 3 of my "Best Decisions I've Ever Made" list. It's been the best and hardest year of my life, so stretching and challenging and yet unbelievable and so fun. Many tears have been sown into this year and even more laughs. My brain is on overdrive, as I begin to process the things I have been taught and live with a Kingdom mindset, I begin to learn a little more about who I really am.