By faith the seed dies, so the flower can bloom. Each new bud is the realization of the seed of faith.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

Today just a little reminder that life does not always follow the path we think it will. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. Many things have NOT gone the way I have planned. Had my life gone the way I previously planned, right now I would be be a ballerina, firefighting, doctor, and ice cream truck driver 😉 . Recently certain situations in my life have diverted from their projected course. My first reactions were panic and fear. Fear of the unknown. Panicking about whether I would be able to do what was required on this new and unplanned journey. Here’s what I have learned: When the path verges in a direction that you did not chart, let the Maker of your life’s compass be the guide. I grumbled and complained because I disliked the new direction, but  now as I sit in the midst of it, I clearly see God’s hands and guidance. Do I want the change to last forever? No, not really. Am I going to learn all that needs to be learned from this moment? ABSOLUTELY! Life is all about the journey, and the growth both of which can and will be hard at times. Learn from the good and the bad. Embrace the change even when it hurts.  Embrace and grow.

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (Isaiah 43: 19).

So what am I thankful for today? New (albeit a little scary) GROWTH.