You definitely know that you walk alone, when you don’t even recognize where you are; can’t remember what place was once standing there, or you quickly forget how you got here. Can’t find the perfect words to describe how it feels when everything is so different. Nothing seems right & now the new norm is, well quite frankly, whatever is best or however it goes.There’s a sweet comfort & a real security embedded in us, when things are consistent & unchanging. Like clockwork, there’s a regular routine & like a familiar melody, the song remains the same. We knew the gas station that was at the street light corner near the drug store. It was across the main road from the grocery market, that was right next door to the candy shop. Grandma lived on the other side of town & brothers house was only two streets down, from the little league baseball field. Now we live in an, “under construction” town, that has no land marks or boundaries. There are more out of town workers than permanent residents & less people & friends than we know. Memorable moments in our short lived lives, happen at times when we least expect it. Like the joyful news of a new baby arrival, seeing an old friend at a class reunion, the first time kiss from our sweetheart, or the last goodbye to our precious loved one. Now we have a different kind of history to remember, one which we want to undo but can’t; nor can we seem to forget. Our never-ending story looks to only get worse before it begins to get better; as we watch our crumbled world get put back together again. But I want to remember this sojourners journey. What valuable lessons I’ve learned, that have left a lasting impression on this long dark winding road. I will not take for granted, the comforts of home sweet home ever again, or the companionship of having a close dear friend. The thoughtful gifts of a stranger I’d never met, or the blessed assurance of my loving family, who tenderly held me while I wept. My joy is more heart felt because my sorrow is deeper. My patience is longer because of the disappointment I’ve had when at my wits end. My love is now stronger in my family circle, my pain is less suffered because of the loyalty & honor of real friends. Out of the Ashes was born from a fire that burned & shattered my own little world. It pierced & touched the heart of my soul. We knew that our lives would be forever changed. Yet through it, we continued to hold onto hope, as we realized things would never be the same. Because of this I dare now say, I am thankful for His hand that heals the hurting heart, His strength that mends the weary soul & His unfailing love that puts the broken pieces of our fragile lives back together again.
