My life took an unexpected turn last week that has inserted a great deal of stress into it. This is the result of a reminder to focus on the things that are still great in my life.

After almost a decade, we have finally moved a permanent home to our property. It’s been a haul to get it here, literally, and 2020 hasn’t made it easier. But we’ve moving ahead and will soon be moving in. Here’s the story.

Between my son leaving for college, buying a new house, shifts in careers, and some difficult health-related news, it’s been a challenging few months. But I’m holding on to gratitude. Here’s what’s been going on.

It’s been a strange week. And by “strange,” I mean it was like there were an extra six really-high highs and kinda-sucky lows stuffed into it without much of a breather between one or the other. So, for posterity, here are the highlights, and a moment to be grateful, too.

When I think back to last December, I can see how very much has happened in my life in the last year, what I’ve accomplished, and how I’ve changed. And I’m grateful.

There will always be things that I’m dealing with. There will always be that sense of ebb and flow through seasons, times where my life seems more peaceful than others. But my happiness doesn’t depend on those circumstances.

Some years, the garden just sucks. But this year, my flourishing herbs and giant carrots and surprise petunias all worked together to heal my hurting heart. And I am so grateful for it.

Moving forward is what we are designed to do. I will never forget him, but it's okay to find pleasure and joy in other things in this life. In this life, there is a great deal of joy to find.

I am so thankful that bad days--and bad weeks--are temporary.