resilience.

It's been a trying two weeks.

Two deaths in the family and a car accident (not mine)--which left us with the first Thanksgiving in the scope of my memory without my most favorite dog that I'd come to love SO much, without a great-grandpa, and without our best (and zippiest :)) vehicle. All falling into our lap in a matter of about 9 days. I was so glad to be home though, and only but one of these things did I have to find out via a phone call.

I know somewhere down the road we'll be able to look back and say, "You know what, praise God."  But WOW that's incredibly hard to do sometimes.  When we just look at each other, with bewildered looks on our faces, and take a deep breath, knowing we still have to keep going and keep pushing through. Life is still moving forward rapidly.  I think we all feel like deer in the headlights, with life coming right at us with no choice but to face it head on.

But it's amazing what the human heart, mind, and spirit can take..especially when we're surrounded by people we love and who care deeply about us. What an invaluable blessing that we so often take for granted. This past week I was with my family--the people who were facing these same circumstances--and we could share in the pain and the sorrow and the hurt, but also in the joys of all the other things we have to be thankful for.  I also spent time with three of my best friends in the entire world, and I forgot how beautifully wonderful that is. They're the people who know me so well and can come along side me when I'm hurting, but also who can simply make me forget, even for just a little bit, everything that's going on and just enjoy life together.

The obligations we had before are still here--jobs, the business, finals, etc.--and they weigh on our hearts, minds, and schedules. But what a hope we have in Christ and a resilience He hard-wired into us. We weren't ever promised it'd be easy, but it will be worth it--each trial and tear; every joy and blessing. And you know what?...Praise Jesus. :)

♥ C