Finally!
It's been two years since I decided to finish my master's degree. Last week I walked across the stage at graduation!
My family was there. No boyfriend. No significant other. And I'm okay with that.
I did it! Without a man! OK, I guess you could count my dad since he did babysit while I went to class. And if you are reading this, know that you can do it too!
For too long, I've looked for someone else to complete my life. The only constant source of love and support has been God.
These last two years I attempted to date in between going to class and taking care of my kids. I've seen a few moments of high, but there's also been lots of lows by being let down repeatedly by bad choices. Really, I let myself down. I made the choice to pursue something with them, even if only for a short time.
I think I've finally made peace with being alone.
Would I like to meet someone and have this relationship I've been longing for? Of course!
But God's going to have to drop him in my lap.
Until then, I'm going to focus on my new job coming up in the fall and spending time with my children.
Today is the 4th of July, the day the United States celebrates its freedom. Have you worked on being free this week?
Today I heard a message about the prodigal son. It's a story I've hear many times before, but it's amazing how you can still glean something new.
Mostly importantly, it was a reminder of our Heavenly Father's love for us. He's given us free will to take what we have and squander it like the youngest son. But if we confess our failures to Him, He will forgive us and welcome us home with open, loving arms.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm118:1
Sometimes it's easy to see how God has provided for you. Other times you have to be intentional about seeing the good instead of dwelling on the bad.
Did you make a list of ways to love yourself? If so, have you stopped to see how you are doing? I have to say I'm doing pretty well. Yes, it's only been a couple of weeks, but it encourages me to continue when I see the progress I've made.
1. I'm still running. My knees may have other plans, but for now I'm sticking with it. Plus I like that I lost 5 pounds in the first 2 months of jogging.
2. I'm attempting to open all my mail when it arrives, but sometimes it sneaks into my "in" basket without me seeing it. That's one I will have to continue to work out. Yes, it sounds like a simple thing, but I find it challenging to stay ahead of the piles.
3. I've done several small things that are special for me. This weekend I'm going to take a painting class, go to a concert and order a comforter for my bed that I've been eyeing. It happens to be a child-free weekend, so I'm going to maximize my "me" time.
4. I've continued to make time for friends. The time with them usually takes my mind off my problems. It's good to relax and unwind with them.
Maybe you haven't made a list of ways to love yourself. Instead make a list of things you've accomplished in life. Remember what your life was like before something went wrong. Or maybe nothing terrible has happened but you need encouragement.
Try making a list of all the cities/countries you have visited, concerts you have seen, or special events you were part of. If you are struggling to find something worth writing down, look for ways to change that. Where can you plug in? Where can you volunteer time? Life is full of possibilities!
