Life's Black Holes

A few years ago when Jon “retired” from DPS, we had no idea where we should turn or go.  Pretty scary time for us.  Just before the big day, he was offered to come and work for the state forestry (or something like that) and he spent the next few years working with a wonderful friend, who he sure misses since working with.

Stepping out and into the black hole last summer was so unnerving.  We were sure it was the right thing to do, but we also felt like our lives would take longer to settle in and we would know what to expect.  We were right, about all of it.  As time passed, things got harder and seemingly less hopeful.  When they asked me to do the Friday $1 lunches, I was so excited but not sure at all how we would manage just the gas to drive back and forth once or twice a week.  Out into the black hole we stepped once again, it got harder and harder until “things” finally started to fall together, slowly but not steadily.

It was a relief to discover just how creative we can still be.  To think back to our honeymoon years to remember how we stretched a buck until it squealed (yes, they were pretty fun memories . . . . looking back showed just how weird we must have (and may still) seem to others.

As we look back we realized how full of black holes our lives have been.  Each has been a different growing experience.  Some, of course, have been harder than others.  Each has had its own lessons to be learned and often involved closing doors while windows opened.  Since windows are off the floor, we have had to “rise” to the occasion.

Fortunately, we have commitment to the gospel, to each other, to follow the Savior’s teachings.  Though some have been an individual struggle, we have been blessed to have each other or been able to find others who could give us the support, love and guidance we needed to help us find the strength needed.

I am so thankful for the blessings in my life.