At this point in life, we should all have gained some wisdom, right? After all, if we’re going to lose a little of our luster, to be replaced with a few more aches and pains, at least we hope to have learned something in the process. I certainly hope my achy old knees buy me a lot more wisdom before I’m through. But if there’s one thing I know for sure it’s this: Life is most satisfying when you grow – and even bloom – wherever you’re planted. And transplanted. And transplanted again. I am one of those who’ve been planted in a number of places. Some by my choosing and others, not so much. I also like to think God has a plan for my life, but I leave lots of room for the possibility that I’m allowed to forge my own trail, in one way or another. I chose New Jersey after college, returning to where I grew up, against my parents’ wishes. I found my passion for advertising working in New York City during that time and certainly made the most of being young and single in one of the world’s most exciting cities. When living that fast-paced life became a little overwhelming, I trudged back to Texas, not really wanting to return to a place I’d chosen to leave, but knowing I needed to regroup. I stayed 15 years, meeting the love of my life, starting a family and a company. That company spawned a number of other small businesses and even a career for our little work family…before we decided to move to Colorado. No surprise, Colorado was a choice. We lived six years in an achingly beautiful little valley until the economy took a toll on our business, at that point re-tooled to serve not-for-profits. It was painful to leave and I often think back to our time there, trying to uncover what life’s purpose was for me there. We had incredible experiences and, I suppose, we did grow and bloom in that we created a youth group at our tiny church that may have welcomed some kids that hadn’t found their places elsewhere. At least I hope so. I think knowing comes in retrospect. Unlike real gardens, the seeds we sow take time to grow and may even bloom later, after we’ve moved on. A friend once did describe my husband and me as seed sowers. That feels good, even though sometimes I wish I were more of a reaper. But the world needs both, I suppose. Now that we live in Illinois, I’m not really sure what seeds I might be sowing. But, if the past is an indicator, I’ll figure it out someday. For now, I'll dig my feet in, turn my face to the sun and do my best to grow and, if I'm lucky, bloom.
2 Comments
Lisa
10/15/2017 06:39:24 pm
Well, speaking for myself, I know I'm glad you're in Illinois!
Reply
Jessica
10/19/2017 09:01:58 am
You are a blessing and I’m grateful that I get to call you my friend!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
d.a.meek
Young at heart. Archives
December 2017
Categories |