Life is a Journey...

I just watched a documentary about the the mistaken identity mix up of Laura Van Ryn and Whitney Cerak. It really had me thinking about life and I felt compelled to write my first blog ever. It really brought to light the fact that we all, including myself, are guilty of taking life for granted each day. I don't know the reason these two girls' identities were mixed up for 5 weeks but there was a reason. I don't know the reason bad things happen in this life but there is a reason for everything. I don't know the reason we lost Mindy Grace 5 1/2 years ago but there is a reason. I do know I have learned from every thing that has happened in life. I have learned that every decision I have ever made in life has landed me where I am today. My life is not where I thought it would be 11 years ago but I would not change a thing that has happened in my life. Again everything happens for a reason and I live by that every single day.

I believe life is a journey. Every decision we make in life effects where we are today. There are many curves, twists and turns along the straight road of life. We must live each day to the fullest and know that we gave our all for that day. There are many things in life that people take for granted every day. What ultimately matters in life are the little things. Because in the end, what does it matter how much money you made, or how big of a house you had, or what extravagant trips you took in your life, or how many clothes you had in your closet, or how nice of a car you drove. It brings to my back to my point that life is unknown and we have to live every day as if we don't know what will happen tomorrow. I want to know that at the end of each day I did something to make a difference to someone that day. Whether it be my children, a friend, a family member, or a perfect stranger, I want to know I have made a positive difference in someone's life that day. I believe if things are meant to be, that God will find a way to make things work out regardless of the situation or how glum things seem at the time.

If you are taking the time to read this, please take a moment to reflect on what is truly important in life. Slow down, take a breath and focus on your life for a moment. Are you moving too fast? Are your priorities set to material things versus family and friends or what is really important to you? If you answered yes to either question, take a step back and think about it. I mean REALLY THINK ABOUT IT. I love the line in the song that reads "you ain't never seen a hearse with a luggage rack." Slow down, take time for what is important and focus on that rather than things that will not matter when you are no longer on this earth.

Again, life is a journey we travel but ultimately God decides our destination. We can make choices that effect our destination but it is not up to us to determine where we will end up. Only He knows that and I believe if you ask God for prayer and guidance, you will receive it. Take life one day at a time and realize that the choices you make today effect where you end up tomorrow. Now take a break, go hug your children or friends or family because they are what is most important on this earth!