A leap of faith. Last year I decided to take it. This decision came at a time of profound changes. My relationship with a couple of clients came to an amicable but final end. I lost a couple of friends. I left my home and community of 20 years for an unfamiliar town 30 miles away. I lost my mother-in-law to cancer. Her rapid deterioration was brutal and mind blowing. I did my best to be there for her and my husband. I also got to see the true nature of “family” during those final painful weeks. My takeaway: No expectations.
I became ill with a strange virus after her death, I broke out in painful hives. I also lost my hair. Clumps of it clung to the teeth of my comb. Funny what stress can do.
But within those changes, positive things emerged. I spent more time as a substitute teacher. When I was younger, teaching was a calling I definitely heard but never answered. This time I did. I found I have a knack for relating to students. I’m proud to say I’m on the district’s preferred list.
I moved into a beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by every store and restaurant you could think of. The outlet mall is five minutes away. My favorite grocery store, Mariano’s is four blocks away. My neighbors are awesome. In losing friends, I gained a few.
I lost weight – intentionally. Thirty-five pounds! I also found time to finish writing my parenting book, “Raising Hell or Raise Them Well”, a project more than four years in the making. God was driving me to complete that mission. What I had to offer was so relevant and sorely needed among parents who are under-served. I knew this book would be a blessing. With encouragement from friends and family, I buckled down and freakin’ finished the thing. I couldn’t believe it! Over 300 pages. Fortunately, I had more time to complete it. When I assembled the manuscript, I sat down and read the book from beginning to end. I was amazed at the insight and information I had put together. It made me cry. Heck, I would buy my book.
It’s true, 2015 has been a year of loss, but also a year of gains. I would not have recognized it had I not made that leap of faith. I will continue making that leap of faith in 2016.
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
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Filed under: Family, health, Inspiration, multicultural, Uncategorized
Tags: 2015, Leap of Faith, Romans 8:28
