Enjoy the ride...

It hit us like a brick.  Somehow, our entire family came down with illness.  Whether colds, viruses, allergies or other conditions, someone was constantly sneezing, aching, chilling or sniffing.  It's wasn't the best weekend.
 
Other than concern for my family, I was disappointed that we had to postpone plans with friends.  We had looked so forward to visiting a special place to relax and enjoying a meal with them.  I was not happy to be home, folding laundry, watching old movies and wishing I could be somewhere else.

Then the thought came to me.  If we couldn't be where we wanted to go, why couldn't we make the most of where we were?  My husband agreed.  So I called in our order and away we went.  No, I wasn't ready to go out in public.  My hair was nothing but messy curls and waves.  I had on almost no makeup.  I was wearing old clothes and according to my husband, I was "really, really pale."  At least I got out of the house for about half an hour.  No one was traumatized by seeing me since I stayed inside while Tim picked up the food.  We made the most of the situation...and enjoyed the ride.

I began thinking.  Sometimes this journey is exciting.  We plan.  We celebrate.  We laugh.  We make memories.  Other times, we struggle.  Plans change.  We make adjustments.  We aren't amused.  We make choices.  Do we allow disappointments to define us?  Do we allow struggles to destroy us?  Do we allow adjustments to defeat us?  Or do we make the most of the situation...and enjoy the ride?

There is a far greater place I long for daily.  It's a place where no one will be sick or sad, abandoned or abused, isolated or ignored.  It's a Home where His love is ever present and His joy is overflowing.  But I am not there.  Many loved ones are there and I miss them so much. Yet for now...for this moment...in this season...at this time...I am here.  I choose to cherish this journey...celebrate each moment...do the best I can, where I am, with what I have, to the glory of the One Who loves and leads me.  It's not always easy.  But this journey is so much more beautiful when I realize there is joy and purpose each step of the way.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl