Appreciating the Past Changes the Future

Wow... a lot to think about lately. I've been thinking of all I've been through in the past year and a half. I listen to the news and hear about the economy and job markets. I hear about how many people are now unemployed, homeless, nothing left. I can't help but remember how all that was to live through. I feel like I am a year and a half ahead of the rest of the world.

BUT... then I think of where I am today. I think of all the prayers, family and friends who helped me through all that. I wonder what it could have been like without them. I think of learning so many lessons along the way and how its changed my outlook on so many things. I try to share the hope with others going through it now.

I know I didn't like being on the receiving end, but without it I couldn't have survived. I know I feel much better back on the giving end now. It made me understand how giving has to be done the right way, no string attached, no expectations of people holding up to their promises, no assuming some people would never let you down or hurt you if you needed them. I know who will always be there for me, and who I will go to the ends of the earth for. I've seen the emptiness in my daughters eyes when we had nothing. I've heard the grumblings of our hungry stomachs. I've experienced how people treat people with nothing like dirt.

BUT... then I think of where I am today. We are on our feet again. I am employed and surviving with no fears of the past. I have to keep looking forward. Life is already better. As I've always said, "the cup is always half full". I think of "Footprints" and how we were carried. I'm trying to look for a new person in my life now, who will understand what I've/we've been through and know we are good people who will never give up on life. There is someone out there like that, I know. If God wants it for us, it will happen. I know I promised I'd move on and find someone, I just didn't think the time was right before now. Everyone has their own timetable. Mine is starting again now...