Few of us imagined that life would be like it is right now.  Who would’ve thought we would be living in a world of social distancing, life without seeing facial expressions, greeting someone with no contact, and being quarantined from some of those we love? 

The element of change is always around us, but sometimes change is much more significant, more than we imagined.

Years ago I remember a teacher nearing retirement telling me, “I feel so bad that you’re going into education now because it has changed so much.  Student behavior is so much more difficult and it is more stressful than it was in the past.” 

It was true, that from the start of this person’s career through retirement change was more than the person imagined.  Thankfully, I was not aware of how teaching was in the past, I only knew the current, and I knew that I loved being around students, schools, and in an environment where people are continually learning.  Without having experienced student behavior or teacher expectations from decades earlier, I was looking forward to the challenge.   

I remember that life lesson well.  It is hard to imagine what others have experienced and endured.   I only know what I have experienced throughout my lifetime.  I do listen and learn from what others have experienced.  Those life experiences help me navigate my path, but I don’t allow the past to paralyze my future.

Currently, we are witnessing flu similar to that of 100 years ago.  Few of us could’ve imagined 2020 playing out as we have witnessed.

I challenge myself to embrace that which I could not have imagined.  Allowing myself to forget what could have been and adjust to the new norm.  It is my faith that has allowed me to move forward when my ideal life is turned upside-down. 

At the time the above picture was taken, I had no idea that 3 months later life how I had imagined would never be the same.  I would not change a thing nor would I wish to go back.  

Admittedly, that time of my life was close to a fairytale.  What I didn’t know then was that life since the day that my husband passed has continued to be more and more rewarding and abundantly blessed but in very different ways.  

I did not linger on how life was not like I had imagined. I allowed my path to continue and I allowed myself to be open to enjoying life going forward.  I could no longer have what I had imagined, I let that go.  I was open to allowing myself to walk in faith down my path.  

Life for me is nothing like what I imagined.  Faith and prayer have led me to a life much different than what I had anticipated and have surpassed all my expectations.  

My faith has allowed me to be aware, to be able to adapt and to be open to how the world is changing.  Life can be different than what we imagine and still be beyond our expectations.  Faith and prayer have allowed my life to be more than I imagined.  Thank you, Jesus.  

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