Room to grow

As a new step-mom, I get the pleasure of getting to watch two loving boys grow more and more each year. Since I didn't get to follow them from birth, I've had to struggle more to get to know them. However, I can still appreciate how much they grow from year to year, and I enjoy seeing them develop, and learn how to better handle each new situation.

That got me thinking, what about us? We, as adults, don't just quit learning and growing once we reach 18. There are so many lessons to be learned throughout every experience in our lives. I have finally learned what real love feels like. I have learned hard lessons about respect and committment. I have learned the value of true friendship. I continue to learn each day about how blessed I truly am, and how important it is for me to pass on those blessings to others.

There are days when I don't understand the terrible things in life, but what I have learned so far, is that God always has a plan and a purpose for us. Through some of my most difficult times - where I felt confused, abandoned and broken - I eventually realized that there was a lesson I needed to learn. No matter what life put in my way, I believe there was an underlying path God had me on, to get me to a better place or teach me to help me grow.

To quote one of my favorites readings: "And the Lord said, 'During your times of trial and suffering,when you see only one set of footprints, that was then that I carried you.' "

I hope I can continue to learn with each new day, and have faith that even as an adult...we still have room to grow.