Ten years ago today my life was changed forever. December 17, 1999 I was a junior in high school wrapping up my last day of school before Christmas break. I spent the whole school day counting down the hours and minutes eagerly looking forward to jumping into my family’s van so we could head down to Florida. I couldn’t wait to run along the warm Florida beaches and jump in and out of the ocean’s waves. Little did I know, something was about to happen that would ensure that I would never again freely walk, let alone run.
Yesterday evening my family and I were driving home from visiting some wonderful friends in Tennessee. As we passed numerous hills near the Kentucky/Tennessee border, I couldn’t help but think – was that the hill my family’s van rolled down several years ago? It was a strange feeling of coming full circle as I drove my own little family down the interstate. As I peeked in the back of the car at my two sleeping little angels and held my amazing husband’s hand, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the blessings God has given to me.
When the accident first happened my life was shattered. I thought I would be lucky to have friends who wanted anything to do with me, I was almost certain I would never get married and have children. There were times when I thought I would always be depressed and loath life, but now most of my days are filled with joy and an excitement for what God has in store for me. My God is amazing and in my brokenness He remained faithfully by my side and rescued me.
Learning how to face trials with joy has not been an easy journey and I still have much to learn, but I am so glad that God took me on this journey that I would never have chosen for myself. Throughout the past ten years I have endured many trials and I know that in the years to come there will be more difficulties to face, but praise the Lord that as a young girl He loved me enough to change me and help me realize that I have to find my hope, joy, and strength in Him alone.
Over this next year, my goal is to write down my testimony. I would like to share not only my story but also the lessons God has taught me through my journey. Perhaps someday my writing will be published (that would be my goal), but even if not I look forward to the journey of reflecting on all my God has done for me. If nothing else, it will benefit me immensely to have in print many of the lessons God has taught me throughout the years so that when times get hard I can reflect on God’s goodness and grace and hopefully share those lessons with my children and grandchildren as well.
I ask that you will pray with me and for me as I start this year long journey of writing down my story and the lessons God has taught me. Pray that I would have perseverance, clear memories, and wisdom. May the glory of my past and present journey go to Him alone!
