About thirty seven years ago, I met and married my husband. We worked to build a relationship of love, trust and security. We worked, we played, we fought, we made up. Our days together were peppered with struggle and celebration. Over the years we decorated our lives with 4 children. With the arrival of each new warm bundle, the dynamics of the family would change forever. When the kids were little, we worked to find balance. More love, more fun, more diapers. Less selfishness, less time, less sleep.

 

More than a quarter of a century has passed and with a slow twist of the kaleidoscope of life, my knight in shining armor has moved on and I am still here managing our large home, and with the addition of a son in law and daughter in law came the grandchildren.

 

I enjoy the rare privilege of making money doing what I love. And that occupation changed over the years. From 1998-2004 I ran a remodeling company I spent my days helping people to build their dreams, increase their comfort and expand their living space. Essentially, building their lives within the walls we remodeled.

 

I was amazed at the similarities between building a life and building a house. The basic structure is similar to the black and white decisions we make everyday. Just as in building a foundation there is a right way and there is a wrong way. The consequences are firm and unyielding. The right way brings success, the wrong way brings disaster.

 

Once the basic structure is built upon a firm foundation, things get a little looser. As we move into personal preference, we add color, texture, light, shadow, height, depth, and of course, personal style.

 

I have learned a lot over the past few years about building and decorating. I’ve also learned a few things about living and loving, giving and taking, holding on and letting go. In the whole scheme of things, I’ve learned a bit about balance too. I’m now old enough to find comfort in my own skin. It’s a constant pursuit, yet a marvelous journey.

 

Together, you and I stand on the shore of life, looking back over the expanse of the land we’ve traveled, and looking ahead to the uncharted waters that lie before us. Life suddenly appears filled with romance and challenge.

 

I find strength for the journey as I watch my eldest son pass into manhood as a Guardian of Freedom, his life committed to excellence, one that defies mediocrity, yet obeys the rules, follows directions, and surrenders to God. I find joy for the journey as I watch my only daughter lovingly care for her 3 children, building a safe and happy home of her own. And I find peace for the journey as I watch my 2 younger sons tumbling from their young childhoods into manhood now, knowing that the same God who created them in the palm of His hand, will complete in them His excellent plan for their lives.

 

It is my sincere prayer, that you and I will encourage each other as we build our lives that lend strength, joy and peace to others attempting to build strong lives of their own.