10 years

Ten years (and a few months) ago we walked into that gym, excited that the day we had waited 4 years for had finally arrived: high school graduation. We sat there listening (or day dreaming) to speakers, just waiting until it was time to go get that little piece of paper and a handshake. We had dreams, plans, goals. We knew exactly what we wanted, had our life planned out. We left that night (or early the next morning from Operation Graduation) to start life. Some went off to work; a few to the military. Some got married, others worked the summer away waiting for college to start. Some left town, ready to start new. Others stayed around to the home they love.

But now, 10 years later, where are we in our planned life? I remember answering the question, "Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years?" I don't recall exactly what I wrote, but I am sure whatever I put down is not what is my life right now. How many of us are where we thought we would be? Where we wanted to be?

Did that college degree get finished in 4 years? Did it take longer? Was college not for you? Did the job not pan out? Did you find the love of your life? Did your heart get broken? Is everything exactly like you planned? Some may sh** happens. No, life happens.

I left for college with a plan: school was going to go like this, I was going to meet and marry a man like that, I was going to graduate and get the perfect job, get married, and so on. Well, like I said, life happened. I did finish my degree in 4 years, but not with perfect grades, not going to vet school, no studying abroad; but with more knowledge and a better person. I didn't meet some Australian man with a strong accent; I met someone better. I didn't get the perfect job immediately, even went unemployed; but I have had many great experiences at different jobs. I am not super mom; I think I am a great mom though, and am blessed with a sweet, perfect, wonderful boy. I am not living on my ranch somewhere in Texas; I am traveling around as the military gives us orders.

I have no regrets, what-so-ever. What ever happens to us, happens for us. It builds us, shapes us, prepares us. We, in a way, write our own story. We have a rough draft in our head. But He has our whole story planned out. We don't know where our story ends, or how it will go. But if we trust Him, and know He walks beside us we will be ok.

So to Kirbyville Class of 2001, I hope and pray that this finds you well, wherever the last 10 years have taken you, and wherever the road will take you. I am sad I will not be there this weekend to meet and catch up in person, but look forward to our next meeting- even if it is the 20 year reunion! Go Wildcats!