We learned early in our married life that there is not really a happily ever after. At least not our definition. In our happily ever after, kids don't put screws up their nose (Ben), pipes don't freeze (picture Jane in the crawl space under our house thawing them with a hairdryer - she was not happy), and mufflers don't drag and throw pretty sparks all over the neighborhood (just embarrassing). Realizing there was always going to be something less than welcome coming our way, in the end, was pretty healthy. Knowing, after we mopped up the flood in the basement, there would be something else, while not desired, was somehow comfortable.
Over spring break we were walking on a beach in Louisiana and, as we looked ahead, there were obstacles everywhere. Debris laying every which way. It looked like it was going to be a treacherous walk. We started out and soon we were walking around branches, stepping over logs, and wading through puddles. In spite of the challenge, it ended up being a very enjoyable walk. When we finished, we remarked at how the walk was similar to life. Looking ahead, your eyes focus on the things (challenges) that get in the way of the walk. Things like screws and frozen pipes... well, you get the point.
Our journey to retirement, and a new road to Kenya, has had its share of obstacles. While, at times it has been a challenge and it hasn't always been fun, it has definitely been a joy. We are pretty accomplished at walking together and taking things on. A big difference this time? We didn't even think about going without God. We have been very deliberate to walk alongside Him. Not ahead or behind. Thus the joy!
We are getting better at going God's way. This is a long time coming. We are lifelong followers of Christ and still figuring out something that is elemental to the Christian life. Humbling? Yes! But, life is a highway and we're gonna walk it all our lives (I'm sure Rascal Flatts won't mind the paraphrase). The fact that God is still teaching us lessons and cares about our growth when He could/should have moved on to some faster learners is very encouraging. See you down the road.
