Like most people, my life has been blessed with challenges. God designed me to be an independent strong-willed woman, but he knows exactly how to make me fall to my knees. I have never been one to ask for help. I will search every avenue and exert all effort before I claim defeat and reach out for assistance. My mom raised me to stand on my own two feet and to realize that when it is all said and done the only thing you can really depend on is your own strength and the arms of God to catch you when you are no longer able to hold on.  This is me falling.

Recently God has placed me yet again on my knees. My first reaction was anger. Anger at God for this situation, confusion over what I did to deserve this particular burden. The next emotion was fear, an all encompassing fear of the future and the unknown. And lastly, defeat or perhaps acceptance.

God puts us all in situations or circumstances that we may not be able to comprehend at the moment. He can see the larger picture of our lives and is guiding us in the direction of his will. The path isn’t always smooth and pain free. But in the end, its not about me, or my life, its about him. Years ago I gave my life to him to use as he saw fit, so if this is his path for me then I accept it and embrace it because at the end of this road I want to hear “well done”.

Are you embracing God’s will for your life? Or are you fighting to follow your own path? Remember to let go and let God.

Trust in the Load with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Life can be unpredictable, it can be challenging, it can be beautiful, it can bring joy and it can bring heartache. To me, life is a series of moments tied together over an undetermined amount of time. These moments woven together define your story, your journey. Each choice you make throughout your lifetime determines the path your life will take. It’s in these moments that you find out who you are, what matters most and what you will stand for. Not all moments bring happiness, some carry tears and hurt.

The perfect moments in life are hard to define. It’s the love you feel from a child as you curl up together during story time. It’s the joy you feel from accomplishing a challenging goal. Its when you finally realize that you love someone and know you are safe in their arms. It’s sitting on the porch swing with your best friend and relaxing in the summer sun.

Difficult moments make us stronger. They push us far beyond our limits. They tear us down, so that we can learn how to stand back up. We would not be able to cherish the good times if we didn’t have to endure the bad. Difficult moments bring heartache and pain, but they also bring knowledge and strength beyong measure.

As I look back on my life, I can see how my series of moments have molded me into who I am today. I am thankful for each moment and the lessons they have taught me. Each moment brings a new opportunity for me to grow and develop as an individual. I realize now that I have chosen the moments of my life. The path my life has taken is a direct result of the choices I have made.

Are you happy with the path your life is on? Don’t just be content or complacent about your life. Don’t let fear determine your outcome. What would you do if you weren’t afraid? We each have one life to live, one chance to make a difference and one chance to put it all on the line. When you look back on your life 50 years from now I hope you are proud of the choices you made, that you can look back on your culmination of moments and smile. Opportunities pass us by everyday. Its up to you to make your life worthwhile.

“and finally she came to a place where the other no longer mattered. where Grace lit up the room. lighting her candle from that sacred flame - she went out to warm the world.”

- Bone Sigh Arts