Reflecting on how fast life changes.

Yesterday at work I was talking to Patti, a lady that I work with sometimes. I don't remember the topic of our conversation, but somehow we started talking about our lives and decisions we've made over the years.

Patti asked me what I wanted to do when I was in high school. I have to admit that I never in a million years would have thought that I would be doing what I am. I Never thought twice about whether I would go to college; it was always just kind of an assumed thing. I had my heart set on being a veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo. It was a big dream, but then again I was raised not to limit myself. When I met Andrew, I was still attached to that vision of my future. I remember how he told me that he was committed to his land, family, and way of life here. It was so difficult for me to understand that a future with Andrew was not the future I had always imagined for myself.

As our relationship advanced, I grew. I grew mentally and emotionally, but most of all I grew spiritually. I studied a lot about what it means to be a woman based on God's word. As I learned more and more, my plans began to change. I realized that my calling is to be a wife and mother above all other things. There is no greater way I could spend my life than by serving my Lord, my husband, and my children.

When Andrew and I got engaged, so many people were upset. Friends, teachers, even complete strangers told me that I was making a foolish decision, or that I was making a stupid, irresponsible decision. So many people thought to tell me what was in my best interests, assuming that I was being impulsive. It was so difficult to watch people I loved push me away because they felt I was throwing my life away. Imagine the uproar, then, when I told people that I had chosen to fore-go college in favor of starting my family. It was the last thing anybody expected. I myself was still having trouble believing that I had changed so much from what I had always dreamed of. But despite the negativity that was cast my way and the well-meaning advice that I received from so many people, I remained firm in my convictions. This was the way the Lord meant for me to live my life. I had only just then come to realize it.

I have never once regretted my decision. I try to think about how different life would be if I had stuck to my original plan. I would definitely not be where I am today. Chances are great that I would not have the amazing baby girl that I do if I had chosen to follow the path that the world was laying before me, rather than pursue the life that I believe God has planned for me. I am not worried about having a "back-up plan" should anything happen to Andrew; the Lord will provide all I need, and I will serve Him with everything I have. I may not always be the best wife, but I know that I am growing each and every day. I am so glad that I did not waver. This is where I am meant to be.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”