I don't know a better way to start blogging than to just jump right in...
Recently, our little Air Force family was transferred to a new state after living comfortably near my family in Oklahoma for nearly all of our 7+ years of marriage. Change had been in the air for us for some time, and in fourteen months we had added one spunky, life-of-the-party redhead, and one chill, melt-your-heart brunette to the family.
But let me back up just a little.
In January, my husband left for Officer Training School in Alabama. During that time frame, our first daughter, Haven, went from being a 9 month old who liked to sit and play, to a creative one year old who liked to run and talk...alot! I went from being just a little pregnant to being 8 months pregnant. I also navigated my own way through three ice storms, tax season, a military move, and countless other adventures.
Since I was so pregnant and Jason was not through with training, he moved on to Florida and Haven and I stayed in Oklahoma, awaiting the arrival of baby Aubrey. Jason was able to make it back in time for the delivery, and on June 14th we welcomed our second daughter into the world. It was a quiet, peaceful, beautiful experience that I shared only with my sweet husband and my best friend Sarah because nearly the entire city was flooded that day from massive rainfall and my family couldn't make it. It turned out to be an incredibly special and wonderful time.
Just three weeks later my family helped the girls and I pack our things from my Mom's house, where we had stayed since April. The goodbye was excruciating...for everyone.
We are starting to adjust to our new life in Florida, and I'm sure by the time we do it will be time to move again. When people used to ask "how do you do it?" referring to military life, I used to smile and say, "you just do what you have to do!" But military life has taken on so many new meanings for me lately. It's funny what being stretched to the point of tears can do for the growth of a person. Here are just a few of the things I am discovering and learning...
1. My house doesn't have to be spotless just to have people over. If I wait until everything is perfect I may never make another friend or entertain another person....ever again. Which poses a problem for the next thing that's been on my heart...
2. I want hospitality to become my middle name...sort of :) I want to be known for having an open heart and an open home. Lord, give me warmth and kindess to accomplish this. Take my fears and help me to use Your resources to be a blessing to others.
3. Just a couple of months before we moved I learned what an incredible set of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins I have. I wish we lived closer so I could show them how much I love and value them. I never took advantage of our close proximity before, but I think given the opportunity to change that, I would.
4. I started to wonder this week why I haven't heard from more of my Oklahoma friends. Three things occured to me. A) There will be people that I may never talk with again. It's okay. That's just how it happens sometimes. B) Have I reached out to them since I've been gone? C) Did I really reach out to them while I was present with them?
It was the third thought that hit me the hardest. I have always enjoyed good company and the presence of my awesome girl friends from back home. But, I've never been much of a phone person and I only recently started to get connected on the internet. It's not a good excuse. Looking back, I should have done more to reach out to the people around me. Even just baby steps...a phone call here and there, a visit, getting more involved in bringing meals, checking in on people...
I have also not been a person to get too involved in events, outings, etc. I'm embarassed to admit that. So, my new goal at this point is to be involved. To say yes to invitations, to show up even when I feel awkward or unsure. To put myself out there a little more.
Well, these are some of the things that have been on my mind lately. There's more where that came from, too! So as the revelations roll, I'll do my best to keep up. And Lord willing, I will be a better person in the outcome!
Lots of Love,
Candace
