Freedom to Choose

The Fourth of July is my parents’ anniversary. They will celebrate 66 years this year.

That was the week they both had off from their factory jobs. So, it made sense for them to get married then.

Growing up, that was also the week we always took our family vacation. As our family grew we continued that tradition for many years and then returned to it in recent years.

My husband and I started our family on July 2 when our daughter was born. Two days later, on the Fourth of July, we were at the family gathering. There were eleven of us there.

At the time, one of my sisters had a two year old son and a six week old daughter. Her infant daughter was on the couch beside her with her son nearby. She asked another family member to watch them while she left the room for a few minutes.

That person overheard a conversation in the other room and wanted to be a part of it. In that quick moment, while there was no supervision, the 2 year old toddler pulled his baby sister off the couch.

While the baby ended up being fine, you can imagine the chaos and intensity it caused.

When it happened, less than 48 hours after giving birth, time stood still for me and I experienced a very visceral feeling.

To me, it was a foreshadowing of all the challenges and heartaches that would come with motherhood.

In that moment, I knew I would need God’s help.

I hadn’t thought about that feeling in a while and was reminded of it recently.

What I’ve learned and now know for sure is that life comes with challenges, trials, tribulations, suffering and more. All of it has meaning and purpose.

It’s up to us to pray, ponder and receive God’s grace, encouragement and support through it all.

Our loving and gracious God does not impose Himself on us, but rather gives us the gift of free will.

Wow . . .

“Choose wisely.”

Here’s to more WOW Moments!

❤️ Lucy