The Past Reminds Me

AS I sat and scrolled through a wonderful CD of the Davis Family, the images brought so many memories flooding into my mind. Growing up in the country, well, that was a special part of my life. Having tremendous parents, another gift from God. But, being one small piece of the Davis Clan, the aunts, uncles, cousins galore and more, well, that was a special gift of life.

Of the ten Davis children, only one remains among us today. Hubert. He was the youngest of the brood, raised a family of four and has been blessed with many,many grandchildren and finally, a precious great granddaughter! The Davis Clan was built on a strong foundation of love and Christian faith.

Thank you John Franklin and Nancy Elizabeth Davis. Job well done!

Today, several of the children and grandchildren are serving in God's ministry, their hearts are full of love and compassion for humanity and their lives are given gladly to walk the path in today's world. They are some of the very bright lights within the Clan!

No, I didn't go into any ministry, I served as a public educator for thirty years of my life and had the great opportunity to influence young lives day after day. Although I was never blessed with children of my own, I have had too many to count, for the door into my classroom was a revolving door. With a smile upon my face, I welcomed everyone into my domain, for I worked diligently to provide a 'safe harbor' for all who entered.

All of our lives have presented many opportunities, many trials, many accomplishments, even some failures...but, overall, it is what we've done with our lives that counts. When I saw pictures of me in the past, I was jarred by the look of me, my body, my presence. You see, I had been in trouble for several years with the sleep apnea stuff...just didn't realize what it was doing to me.

When I look at past pics of me, I can see the danger signs glowing in every snapshot. Huge, puffy, looking as though I would explode if someone stuck a pin in me. Wow, I think back on those days of no air, unable to walk very far at one time and remember the sleepless nights I paced my home wondering, what's the deal? While the world slept, I spent nights leaning over the counter to breathe a little easier.

It was easy to 'hide' my conflict. You learn quickly to 'pose' in the manner you wish others to see you. The game had become an event to me, for I wanted no one to recognize my inability to keep the pace with life in those days. However, for some reason, when it all came to a thunderous moment of real life, I faced death and the good Lord saw fit to see me through.

They say, He has something greater and far more important in 'store' for you when you've faced that time and walked away. I guess He does...still trying to figure that part out! But, my journey since 2004 has been completely remarkable and joyous after my Lap Band experience.

No, I'm not a skinny minny still, but, I have my really good health status back in tow. I can walk like a champion, participate in life and enjoy every new day as the sun breaks upon the horizon. My vision has become sharper, my intent more focused and my zest for being all that I can be has increased once again.

Like many friends and family...it's been a life filled with ups, downs, in betweens..but, overall, a satisfying trek. Following a marriage in 2007, I thought life was just perfect. However, that was not to be. And, after a divorce in 2010, I once again began walking life's path alone. But, there is a reason for everything, so they say.

One of these fabulous days when it slaps me in the face, I'll share it with you. Until then, I stand amazed, watching, reading about, talking to and listening to others. Many have had major life changes in the past year. Some have taken their lives to foreign places numerous times to serve as missionaries, and, others have remained status quo in there comfortable little piece of the world.

My conclusion from visiting the past this morning and reflecting upon life is very simply. The journey has been gratifying. The challenges have been, at times, overwhelming. But, the victories far exceed the losses in my life! One of my single most important job's in life today remains a very simple one....share a smile, give someone a surprise through a random act of kindness and always, always love family and friends for they are life.

Recently, I had a monumental challenge that I had never faced before. Basically, it dealt with a financial obligation to an insurance company...home owners. Since my divorce, I've been working to rebuild my foundation and although I have made strides, sometimes, a piece of life blows us into the next lane unexpectedly. Regardless, a long-time, tremendous BFF stepped in and threw me a safety line! Suddenly, I realized we are never alone in this world. Sometimes we make boundaries around ourselves, but once we step into the light, everyone's still there.

It's Sunday, an afternoon of football watching, a good Sunday lunch and just a casual pace for the entire day. Pause this week and reflect upon your life. There are no 'do-overs' in life, but perhaps you will stumble upon a revelation that will catapult you into nothing but blue skies and green lights on every corner!

Go for it! Life is what we make it...and, remember...
LAUGHTER IS THE MUSIC OF THE SOUL. Make someone smile every day this week!
Luv and laughter to all...
me