I become more reflective this time of year. I tend to think back to my first year living in North Carolina. That was over 11 years ago. A new job had brought me to the state in May. I was recently divorced and my only possessions as I pulled into town looking for a place to live were two dogs, a trunk full of clothes and kitchen pots and pans.
Places that would rent to a person with two fury animals were limited. I ended up renting a 3000 square foot house. My new job would have me working out of my home so the first thing I bought was an office chair. I happen to be sitting in that chair today typing this post.
More furniture would have to wait until my first paycheck. I slept on the floor in my empty living room for a couple of weeks. Then, I bought a couch and a comfy chair. For some reason, I continued to sleep on my blanket covered floor for another three months. In September, I purchased a bed. It was a birthday gift to myself.
My first Thanksgiving and Christmas in North Carolina seem like a life time ago. I had no idea what was around the corner but I do know that one significant choice I made that Friday morning after Thanksgiving set my feet on a completely different path. I like to call it the scenic route.
I surrendered a drinking problem to the Lord that morning and He opened my eyes to beauty I had never seen before. One moment. One choice.
That Christmas was an incredibly special Christmas for me. I didn’t get to go home to Arizona but I was surrounded by my church family. In fact, several families wanted to celebrate the day together and were looking for a home big enough to host the occasion.
Hmm.
My 3000 square foot house was the perfect spot to set up tables and chairs we borrowed from the church. I was surrounded by love and laughter. And, I had a new set of eyes to see it all!
What an awesome post Eileen. And look at you now! A husband and a son and Jesus. what more can a person want? Thanks for sharing your heart today.
Yes! Your story leaves this heart happy! Victory in Jesus for sure!!!! Blessed to be on the scenic route with you sister.
The view sometimes takes your breath away! Thanks, Tracy.
I can’t think of anything else. Thanks, Bill
That’s what I love about our church. We are family.
🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDSSGyPurmE
Ev’ryone can see we’re together
As we walk on by
and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won’t tell no lie
all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We’re giving love in a family dose
Love you too, Anne!
Your recovery and celebration are great things for us to cheer. I’m glad you shared them. I have my own shameful past, but also pivot points when I turned my life around. It’s good to remember, like the Israelites who would stones in memorial, “so the people never forget”
I also downloaded your e-book and started reading last night. Well done!
I love how those pivotal points unfold in our lives. God doesn’t seem to reveal all the things we need to surrender to Him all at once. It’s a journey. He is so patient. And thank you for reading my e-book!
Beautiful story, Eileen!
🙂
Thanks for sharing! Beautiful how the Lord uses this our shame for His glory!
Yes it is!
Eileen, as always, a very graceful story. Thank you for sharing your truth with us. You have been blessed with many wonderful friends and holidays since you reached the fork in the road and chose the path leading to the high road.
Thanks, D’Anne. It’s a beautiful route.
Isn’t God good! He is such a God of redemption. Full of grace, acceptance, forgiveness. Plus He has provided so much for you. Thank God for your daily diligence, and for freedom!
So good! Thanks, Karl.
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