10 Years Ago?

I just left a friends blog; it was very thought provoking. Their family made a time capsule in the year 2000 and just opened it to read letters they wrote to themselves. I think back to the year 2000 and it seems like ages ago in so many ways, but also just like yesterday.

I had just met Justin, no children, just graduated high school. I was taking an art class that I loved and finding my talent of drawing. I was still playing the piano at Dixie College with my great Aunt Lu. I was working as my Dad's receptionist, living at home, driving a car that my parents gave me.

At the time, I had a very different picture of where I would be in ten years. I used to think I would have a good start on 8-10 kids, I wanted to serve a mission, I wanted to go study abroad in Jerusalem, I wanted to be an EFY counselor. I thought my future family would live in St. George. I had a picture of my husband working an 8:00-5:00 job and be home for dinner each night. Never even occured to me that I wouldn't see him on the weekends or never have him next to me at church.

And now here I sit. Ten years later I chuckle a little at that picture I once had. Oh the path I have traveled and where it has brought me! So grateful indeed. I've been taught and stretched in so many ways!

I married that Justin I was falling in love with. I have three little spirits in my home that I could have never imagined such a love that I feel for them (I never would have imagined what it has taken to get them here and keep them here either). We're in Texas--who would have thought? My husband is a pilot yet works at a furniture store where he works some nights, some mornings, all weekends, all holidays. I've traveled due to the pilot life--never would have dreamed that. I've been in YW presidency's, the primary president, sunbeam teacher, 8 yr. old teacher, the ward music leader, ward librarian, and a sunday school teacher (this has took no study's abroad but much personal study for sure). Many of the meals we eat it's because Justin has labored over the stove or on the grill--didn't think my husband would cook. I've been involved heavily in a world of "special needs children". I've taught preschool, piano lessons, and busy freeways don't phase me anymmore. I can drive in snow, ice, or 100 percent humidity--bring it on!

The things that used to scare me, really don't anymore. Some of the things I used to be uptight about are left by the wayside. I can't sleep-in anymore. I eat spoons full of salsa instead of the little dips Justin would laugh at. I can go on and on and on, but I guess I was just reminded by my blog reading this morning that we learn and grow as time goes on. I may be somewhere different than where I thought I would be, but the most important things I dreamed of have come true and some have been better than I ever hoped for. Maybe I'll have to record this and pull out in another 10 years and see where it takes me?!?!