Friday, December 7, 2012

lessons learned


So much has happened in our lives since my last post, hence my lack of blogging.  In just 3 short months of marriage, Drew and I have had more changes than most people do in years.  Since my last post, we have moved, started new jobs, merged bank accounts, started paying my oh so lovely student loans, celebrated my 23rd birthday, changed my name on everything imaginable, written a million thank you notes, celebrated our first Thanksgiving as Mr. & Mrs., and the list goes on-and-on!
Although this time in our lives has been crazy, hectic, and exhausting – it has taught me so much about life, myself, and marriage.  Here are a few things the past 3 months have taught me:
Life happens fast.   It seems like such a short time ago that we were in college, going dancing all the time and somehow waking up and making it to class on time at 8 a.m.  Sleep was almost non-existent and our only real priority was having fun - I seriously do not know how I managed to graduate, much less make decent grades.  I treasure that time in my life, because I made the most out of every moment.  In all the hustle and bustle over the past few months, I have often failed to seize the moment.  I am learning that life is fast, so sometimes things have to be pushed to the side, so that we can live in the moment.
Perspective is everything.  Joy is a choice you make.  Thankfulness is a choice.  Being married has taught me so much about perspective.  Guys and gals – we don’t think alike.  Our perspectives are different.  I have learned that instead of expecting, it is better to ask nicely.  I have learned that waking up and choosing to have a good day is the first step to having a good day.  I have learned to choose to the see gifts in my husband, and to focus on those things and recognize those things.  I have learned that in the big perspective, my “BIG” problems are so miniscule. 
Life is simple, although we tend to make life so complex.  Some of the sweetest times over the last few months have been the simplest.  Sitting around the table with our families, going on a run together, laying on the couch and watching a movie, cooking dinner, laughing with my mom… The simplest of things are sometimes the most filling. 
Family is so precious.  Drew and I have been tremendously blessed to have the families that we have.  This past year, we had to make some very hard decisions, and each decision has been backed with love, support, and encouragement.

I need to be challenged.  When I feel challenged, I am an insanely productive machine; however, when I feel no challenge or pressure, I lack enthusiasm.

Having faith is critical.  Without the realization that life is so much bigger than you and me, life is pointless.  What motivates me and inspires me come from God, and when I am distant from him – I live a purposeless life.  The hope that comes from our faith is what has helped Drew and I motivated during this crazy phase of life.

My husband is a gift from God.   It is no secret that when I get super-stressed, that I am not the most pleasant person to be around.  This is something I am working on, but still fail at often.  Drew never fails to love my in spite of my weaknesses, which is such a sweet reminder of the Father’s love for us.  Not only does he embrace me at my worst, he changes my perspective.  He knows when I need him to say “Babe, stop. Calm down.  Take a break.”  He knows how to make me relax. Drew has this amazing peace about him.  Which at sometimes can be so frustrating, because he no sense of urgency.  However, it can be SO REFRESHING.  Although it sometimes aggravates me, it is exactly what I need.  I never realized that being calm could be such an expression of faith. 

I am so thankful for lessons that have been learned the last 3 months, but so relieved to finally be able to rest and relax.  It has been a while since my mind hasn’t been preoccupied, forgot how great it feels to relax.  Here is to blogging more than once in the next 3 months!
Love,
kelsey

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