One of my favorite songs is called One Life to Love by 33 mile.
Here is the chorus:
You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love....
I love this song. That God created us to be on this earth to love others as he loves us everyday. When you are able to see and hear the voices on the ones you love and care for on a regular basis this becomes habit, it becomes common place. You take them for granted and you know that whenever you need them they will be there.
When you move half way across the country, that habit is no longer common place. It's almost as if God wanted to remind me of all the amazing people in my life by putting me 1500 miles away. Appreciation for those in your life takes on a completely new meaning. I will be honest, and most of those close to me know, that I have struggled with this the most since I have left. Partially I think because being an only child I have always been so independent. Though I loved my friends and family dearly, part of me has always been able to be by myself, and I always felt like I could forge my own path. If my friends and family came with me, awesome, if not I could still do it on my own.
I've come to realize I can't do it all on my own. That most of all I have to lean on my faith and my understanding that God's plan is surely the best option, but not my first. And that family and friends were created to show the love and grace that God displays to us everyday.
The people closest to me love me despite my faults. Though I snap at my mother on occasion she loves me regardless. Though I can be difficult and sulky when I'm in a bad mood my friends love me dearly. Though I can be bossy and demanding and at times want things only my way, my friends extend grace.
Next week at this time I will be home. Everyday trip home a different piece of my heart feels something new. This trip though I'm not looking at it through the window of what am I missing out on? But instead I'm looking at as this: look at the amazing people in my life. That are excited to have me home, that are making time in their busy schedules to spend time with me. And I can only think of one feeling to describe how I feel.
BLESSED.
