Numbers

I saw a picture of three beautiful ladies on Facebook this week, and through comments on their posts I realized that these were my mother's high school classmates and they were celebrating their 50th class reunion.  50!  And then I realized, that is how my mom would have looked, at age 68 (because today is her birthday).  And then I stared thinking about some big numbers coming up for me that are to be celebrated and remembered.

It all started with the number 7......being born in 1972 and my sisters were both born in the late 70s....I am partial to the number 7:

In November, 1987, my mom died in a farming accident.  30 years.  That is a long time without a mom.....but also a long time in learning how to trust the Lord and appreciate the people He has brought into my life to support, encourage, and love me in her absence.

In September, 1997, I married my best friend.  20 years next month!  It is hard to express after 20 years and 3 kids how much we have been through and how much deeper my love is for him.  We can see how the Lord has carried us through so much and we are so very grateful.

In February 2007, we moved to Pennsylvania and in September 2007, we bought our first and only house.  10 years!  The longest Darrell and I have lived in one place, apart from our growing up years.  Western Pennsylvania was never a place I envisioned myself living, but for all of its quirks, it has been good to our family.  God has blessed us and our children with wonderful friends.

And 2017 has been an amazing year, filled with unique travel opportunities and a huge goal reached for our family - a new beginning we hope.

A couple thoughts on these numbers.....these are just numbers, but it is good to remember and acknowledge what you have come through, not to dwell on the past, but to press forward with perspective from the past.

Finally, a thought I read on Wednesday's Word from Paul Tripp Ministries:

"Your faith must not be tied to your daily circumstances, but to the Lord, whose eternal presence, promises, and provisions are never altered by daily circumstances."