Often I take a look at my surroundings and think “How did I get here?” I look at my husband of 25 years, I see my kids, almost all of them grown up, I look at my grandson and I look at my dream home. I take a good look at it all and I think how did I get here. Just the other day I was talking with my husband about this. I told him there are so many times I take a good look at everything I/we have and I wonder how did I of all people get here.
All I can think is, it’s all thanks to God. I mean, I’ve always believed in Him. Since I was born into a Roman Catholic family it’s kind of a given. And at a very early age in my life I decided to have a more personal relationship with Him. I know that sounds crazy, you’re probably thinking “What does a 9 year old know about God?” I knew enough to know I want to really believe in Him for myself and not just because my parents told me so.
However it wasn’t until I was about 18 or 19 that I knew I had to make a decision as a Christian. I knew I needed to either follow the world and do whatever or follow Jesus and let him guide and direct my life. I chose to follow Jesus no matter how rough things got or how good things were. I do believe if not for that one moment, sitting on my bed, by myself, giving my entire life to Christ no matter what, that I most likely would not be where I am today. I have no idea where I would be, but I know I wouldn’t be where I am.
That one prayer. That one I give my entire life to you no matter what, brought me to this point that I am at in my life. I do know this and at the same time I still think “how did I get here”. The Lord as been seriously gracious and merciful and plentiful to me, as much as he as taken away and in all that I kept and keep trusting in Him. He has given me a wonderful husband of 25 years like I said above. He has give me 3 children as well as taken 3 children before I even got to see and hold them. He has given me my dream home. He has allowed me to travel with my family to places I’ve always wanted to. He has allowed me to see and do stuff I never thought I would and OH what an adventure it’s been.
With all this I still ask “How did I get here?” It’s like I know the answer and yet I am still in awe. Sometimes I don’t think I deserve any of it. Other times, most times, I am beyond thankful and know how truly blessed I am. So, how did I get here? Well I guess it’s like my husband is always telling me, “there but by the grace of God go I.” I’ve come a long way since that day in my bedroom praying to God. Has it all been worth it? You bet it has!
Kathleen Smith is an indie Author, blogger and she has her own podcast Kathleen’s Korner. You can read or listen about her life in Brooklyn and Upstate NY . You can also either read or listen to her personal story of how she and her husband kept their marriage together through 3 miscarriages in Miscarriages My Story