The Year That Changed My Life

Last night, Mark and I were talking about the year that changed our lives. The simple answer could have been the year we were married, or the year our first child was born. Those years did change our lives, but the change was predictable. We knew the change was coming, and we were ready for it. We decided that the year that changes a life, is a year that is unexpected. For us, that year was 2008. It was a year full of the unexpected. The unexpected move across the state. The unexpected purchase of our first home. The unexpected death of Mark's grandfather. The unexpected divorce of my parents. It was the year that changed our lives forever. We learned so much last year. We learned to roll with the punches. We learned it is terrifying, yet thrilling, to sign your life away on a stack of papers two inches high. We learned death at any age, even old age, is sad. We learned that your parents divorcing, even when you are 29 years old, and no longer living at home, hurts. Through all those tough lessons, we also learned one of the best lessons of all. We are much stronger and more resillent than we thought. I hope we never have a year like last year again, but the fact is, we probably will. Life is full of ups and downs, good years and bad years. The good years are wonderful, but the bad years are when we grow the most. Looking back, we can see the blessings and growth that have come from our rough year. Our unexpected move, though scary, brought new friends and a new ward where we are needed. Our new home, though expensive and time-consuming, has brought stability and joy. The death of Mark's grandfather, though sad, gave Mark the oppourtunity to go home and have a wonderful visit with his family. My parents divorce, though difficult, has brought me closer to my mom and has given me a greater understanding of forgiveness and the plan of salvation. These are all lessons I may not have learned had the year been full of easy decisions and no trials. It is hard to be grateful for trials, but I am, or at least try to be. Most of all though, I am grateful for Mark. He has been such a strength to me through everything. He has shown kindness and love, and has taught me so much about Christ-like love. I can't imagine going through the unexpected with anyone else. We do not look forward to the trials in our future, but I hope we can learn and grow from them, because they do change our lives, and I want them to change my life for the better.