At the beginning of this year, I submitted a post with my plans to post regularly and do other things. Graphic design work, writing and staying with my part time job were part of those plans. Well, my plans have changed because of the curve balls life throws at you. I’m sure God has a sense of humor because He may be just tickled pink with the plans I made and sees how things have played out so differently. I’m not mad at Him because I know regardless of what happens He provides.
Things started early in January with my mother dying. I am glad she’s in a better place, of course. I am glad she doesn’t suffer anymore with the physical ills she was dealing with; and, I am glad that she did live a long life. She died at 76 years of age. I was not prepared for how it would affect me. Even at my age, I had to adjust to not being able to call Mom when I felt like just hearing her voice. I have since had other major changes like moving and becoming an empty nester. Being an empty nester is different because even though children are not gone permanently, they leave home and the time you spend still caring about them and what they do needs to be replaced with something else. Don’t get me wrong. I will never stop caring about my children even as adults. However, the constant daily interactions have changed.
I also became a grandmother with my first granddaughter, Essence. I wanted to be in a much more stable place when my first grandchild arrived. That said, I know that it is a blessed event. I know that I can remain stable in my prayers for my children and their children. The changes have been all mixed up this year. I stay focused on the point that God sees all and knows where I am. He is aware of heart’s desires and because I stay focused on Him, He will answer them. The loss and changes brings emotions that may be challenging but are necessary. Dealing with our emotions – whether it’s sadness, happiness, pain or joy – is critical to staying abreast of them. Not allowing them to overwhelm us. God equipped us with them to balance us out.
As this year comes to a close, I know that the things that happened changed me and some of my perspectives. And, yes, I still have plans. They are not set in stone. I still plan to post more often and do graphic design work as well as write. I also plan to smile more often when those changes come because I know that God is just as tickled as I am when they come. At this point, I believe that the only constant in our lives is change. I am not saying don’t plan, just be flexible because those plans can and sometimes will change. I also try to remember that God has His plans and purposes for our lives. Sometimes we get in the way. His will is the plan that I want to keep no matter what. Okay, see you soon. Lol…
