What If You Never Had It?

I can't bring myself to regret the decisions that brought me to Forks. They also brought me to Edward.
-Bella Swan 


Bella Swan can be "taken" many ways, as a beloved character that women of all ages can identify with, a setback to the feminist movement, or that bothersome girl that gets Edward and Jacob. But in this quote I find out more about myself and a little more about Stephenie Meyer. 


In Twilight, Bella is willing to die in the place of someone that she loves. She proves this again in New Moon facing the Volturi. She feels in doing this, she will protect and ensure the survival of Edward and his family. In a reflective moment she states that she can't regret what has brought her to this culminating event in her life, because it also brought her the opportunity for her greatest happiness. 


Roll your eyes, its fine, I promise. Yes, in Twilight, Edward is Bella's greatest happiness, but in our lives it can serve as mirror to show us what is our greatest happiness. 


I ask you this simple question: Was it easy?


In life, I have found that the events and accomplishments that I have found my greatest happiness in, have in fact come after some of the hardest times in my life. They made me work for them, to earn, and ultimately deserve them. Do I despise or regret that work and effort? No. I appreciate it for the lessons it has taught me. 


That accomplishment comes with sacrifice. That the journey is most of the challenge. That anything worth having is worth working for.


These might sound cliche, but if you stop and honestly think about it you might find yourself agreeing with me. 


As applicable as these seem for events, they are equally relevant to relationships.


What if you never had it? 


If you find yourself truly regretting something you went through, ask your self of the end result, what if I never had it?


Sure at the time, staying home and studying wasn't the popular thing to do. However, looking back on the accomplishment of my graduation, if I asked myself the question I posed, I would have to concede that the joy and accomplishment far outweigh the fleeting moments that I sacrificed for my goal.


I am not a parent, however I can rationalize from a parent's perspective. At the time, being the bad guy and laying down consequences that usher in a chorus of, "I hate yous" and slamming doors might be hard to deal with. But I can assure you, the pride at seeing your child succeed in life will give a new level to measure your greatest happiness. 


What if I never had it? If the end result has lead or attributed to my greatest happiness, then it was worth it. If I couldn't imagine my life without something or someone, then I have my answer right there. 

I have it and it was worth it!♥

What Would You Have?

"I didn't want normal, until I didn't have it anymore." ~Maggie Stiefvater

What do you take for granted? Your health, your friends, your family, your life? Take the time to stop and think, what do you thank God for every single day?















With that question posed? My answer, not much. Please, don't get me wrong, I appreciate everything that I have been blessed with, but I rarely take the time to stop, think, and thank God for it all. Worries and everyday concerns consume our time and take our attention away from the things that truly matter. In life we find that the things we take most for granted are the things that we wouldn't want to live without. But if you woke up tomorrow, with only what you gave thanks for today, what would be your new normal?


Would you be a few friends lighter, a few possessions shorter, how would it impact your life?


Sometimes life gives us no choice, there are situations that fall so far beyond the realm of our control, that we can only take them out of our hands and put them into the hands of a unfathomably merciful God.


A car accident, cancer, a long term illness, these examples may sound extreme in their impact, but are mainstream in their ability to effect people from every walk of life.


So please, if you get nothing more from this post, be present in your life, be thankful for your blessings, and tell your friends and family that you love them and are grateful for their presence in your life! 

♥This post is dedicated to the Geske and Genter Families♥

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.