Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? Shouldn't there be thorns among the roses? Unfortunately, that's not how life works sometimes. We want our life to have roses, but it has thorns instead.
But I think if we look close enough we can see some roses among those thorns. Sometimes they are pretty hidden and we have to really pay attention.
It's interesting how marrying my husband brought so much heartache to my life, but at the same time brought me blessings. Marrying him was a huge mistake, and if I could tell my younger self what to do, I would say don't do it. BUT if I hadn't married him I wouldn't have been able to attend the church I attended for over 5 years and made so many great friends. I have some girlfriends now that I consider best friends from my years in McMinnville. My life is so much richer because of them!
What about my husband's family that I now consider my own? They are awesome! Every time that the whole group gets together is full of fun and laughter and craziness. I may have separated from my husband, but I still continue to have a relationship with these precious people.
Then there's the charming town I got to call home for 5 years. I miss taking walks there, and going to some of my favorite restaurants. And I miss playing "domestic goddess" for my married years; I loved that.
I am thankful for the blessings, the roses, that came my way during such a hard time in my life. When life was at its worst, being aware of these blessings really helped.
I've heard about the concept of having a gratitude journal. I've never started one, although maybe I should. But whether or not we ever write it down, we should always be able to think of something good in our lives. When we can think like that, I think it even gives us hope for the future. Because if we have a few roses now, maybe we will have even more later.
But I think if we look close enough we can see some roses among those thorns. Sometimes they are pretty hidden and we have to really pay attention.
What about my husband's family that I now consider my own? They are awesome! Every time that the whole group gets together is full of fun and laughter and craziness. I may have separated from my husband, but I still continue to have a relationship with these precious people.
Then there's the charming town I got to call home for 5 years. I miss taking walks there, and going to some of my favorite restaurants. And I miss playing "domestic goddess" for my married years; I loved that.
I've heard about the concept of having a gratitude journal. I've never started one, although maybe I should. But whether or not we ever write it down, we should always be able to think of something good in our lives. When we can think like that, I think it even gives us hope for the future. Because if we have a few roses now, maybe we will have even more later.
I suppose that I am looking through a widow's eyes once again, but I was divorced before also - a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteAs to whether or not I would have married my first husband again, the answer would be NO! But then again, I wouldn't have my two biological sons. I would have different children. Of course you can't grieve for babies never conceived, right? Also, if he had not divorced me, I would not have remarried my second husband and would not have my adopted son either.
I also would not have the same grand children I now have, even though they are far away.
As for Husband #3, I have very mixed feelings. True, I could have avoided a lot of heartache if I had turned down his proposal. I had my share of thorns in the beginning, but God was good. Through his house foreclosure and some other unfortunate events, we moved to McMinnville and started attending ALPC. Here he was able to see some of his dreams fulfilled - after we finished all our moving. He was able to teach Sunday School and ExCel Bible College and to really focus on his book publishing business. These were all his passions.
I also would not have my stepson, Aaron. He did not like me at first, but now he tries to look after me. His calls are a comfort to me; he is my late husband's flesh and blood son. We are close, even though not in distance.
The church has a few thorns as well, but it mostly consists of spiritual roses. Who would have thought that such a church even EXISTED here in the NW?? I was the one who sort of stumbled upon it. But I must be honest. I don't like the town or the state or the area or the rain. I am not sure how much longer I will be here. Another year?
Which brings to mind Bro. Morton's sermon "Let God Unfold the Rose." Although it seems the rose lies dormant, I want to hope that after the rain, the sun will shine again, and eventually that rose will be in full bloom. Maybe there is a reason for some of the "delays" I am experiencing. I seem to have a hitch in my come-along (just another one of my expressions).
Ashley, I am glad you still have his family. I love being around your mother-in-law and Sis. Vi. They can make me laugh with their dry humor.
The sun is shining, so maybe I can make some progress today. I am ALWAYS thankful for sunshine.
I like what you said about the sun shining again and the rose being in full bloom! <3 What a sweet thought to hold onto!
DeleteYou've had so many ups and downs in your life. Sometimes it's a hard pill to swallow when it appears that other people have a much-smoother ride. But appearances can be deceiving! I know that first-hand.
I'm thankful for the sunshine too. It puts me in a much better mood!