Life is One Big Challenge

Life is one big challenge, varying sizes all wrapped into one. There are highs, there are lows, and then there is the mundane.

As a perfectionist, I used to think subconsciously that at any given moment, life would be bliss, perfect, no more pain or hardship to endure, and I would finally be happy. What a joke! When I filled my house with beautiful things, when I weighed my perfect weight, when I had the perfect career and was successful, when I married the man of my dreams and added to our family.

Truth is, I have at some stage had all of these to varying degrees but it was such a revelation for me when I realised that it's not 'success' and 'when' that I should be focusing on. As I look so far forward to what could be, I am missing the very real, raw, and beautiful present of what is. I am missing precious life moments as I wait for that 'perfect' moment in each of these areas of my life.

Truth is, life is full of 'perfect' moments! God inspired moments all around me if only I pause long enough to appreciate them. The amazing woman behind the stories of my Grandmas antiques that fill my home. The moments I share with my besties laughing at the ridiculous and crying together in pain. The moment my son came into the world, learned to talk and said Mum for the first time. The wonderful people God has placed in my life. The moment I fell in love and learned what it really means to love someone.

These are life's true treasures, but first I had to go through years in the 'wilderness', blind to what is and focused on what could be, before I really understood what God meant by His way, a childlike faith in relying on Him. My focus has, and continues to change. That I may be happy no matter what my circumstance because happiness doesn't depend on others, success or perfection but on God and His perfect plan for my life. If only I can rest in the wisdom He continues to teach me as I journey through this 'wilderness' and take the time to appreciate the peace and beauty He has already placed in my life.