Deepening Our Lives – part 1
You may or may not know this…I grew up in Tucson, Arizona.
Early in my relationship with Colleen, we had the opportunity to travel back to Tucson. It had been about 15 years since I had left, and I had no idea what surprises I was in for as I returned. As we drove past the house I grew up in and the school I attended, we drove slowly, allowing me to revisit and share my memories. Everything felt so small.
My childhood home on South Kia Anazazi was tiny compared to my memory. I remembered climbing the tree in the side yard, making forts in the tumbleweeds, and hunting for rattlesnakes and horned lizards. As we drove through the neighborhood, I remembered endless days of playing in the desert. The whole time I reminisced over friends I knew, stores my family shopped in, neighbors I liked, and the things that happened to me in that place. I recalled celebrations and tragedies, the pain I had known, and the many joys that healed them. So many of those places, that time had now passed by were meaningful to me. I was there again, feeling some of those long-ago familiar, yet strange, feelings.
As Colleen and I pulled away and watched the places of my memory disappear in my rear view mirror, I came to two realizations.
First, change is necessary. If my parents had not forced that unbearable change on me, how different would my life be? I wouldn’t know Colleen! I wouldn’t have four great kids! I wouldn’t be here, right where God wants me! Remember, growth is change but not all change is growth.
My second realization was that your perspective is essential. Life seemed so complicated, and so difficult back then. But now, 15 years later, things looked very different. Because I was different. No matter how difficult life seems today, in 15 years, things will look completely different, because I will be different.
I want you to spend some time this week thinking about your past. Picture the winding paths you have walked, the choices you have made, and the moments that have shaped you. Each event, whether joyful or painful, has left its mark, crafting the person you are today. Reflect on how your perspective has shifted over time.
Remember those moments that seemed insurmountable? The heartaches, the failures, the times you were lost? Now, with the wisdom that only time can provide, you see them differently. What once was a mountain is now a milestone. Challenges that felt like the end of the world were, in fact, the beginning of personal growth.
Think about the joyous times, too. The accomplishments, the friendships, the love you have experienced. Back then, they felt fleeting, but looking back, you realize their enduring impact. The laughter, the connections, the successes – they have become the foundation of your resilience and happiness.
As you reflect, notice how your understanding has deepened. You have learned that life is not just a series of events but a tapestry of experiences that have contributed to your strength and character. What have you discovered about yourself? How has your perception of those past events changed with time?
By examining your journey with a compassionate eye, you can appreciate the growth that has occurred. Your past is a testament to your resilience and adaptability. Embrace the lessons learned and use them as a guide for the future, knowing that every step you’ve taken has brought you to where you are today.
In the end, reflecting on our past is not about dwelling on what once was, but about understanding how it has sculpted us. It is a chance to acknowledge the strength we have gained and the wisdom we have acquired. Every twist and turn, every high and low, has contributed to the person you are now.
So, take a moment to honor your journey. Embrace the lessons and growth, forgive the mistakes, and cherish the memories. Use this reflection not only as a reminder of where you have been but as a beacon guiding where you’re headed.
In my next blog post, we will move from the geographical and physical to the spiritual. So, let your past illuminate your path forward, with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to embrace the future. Your story is still being written, and the chapters yet to come hold endless possibilities.