Behind Every Door...

Do you ever stop and take a moment to reflect on your past and how you got to this point? I do it all the time. I believe I've grown to appreciate life more through the reflections; to trust it more.

I know, too often, we're faced with really difficult decisions. Decisions where you veer left or take a hard right. There is no gray area. These times bring a great deal of stress and anxiety for many of us. Sometimes people look back and really regret their decision, but what if you look at it from a different perspective?

I don't think there is a right or wrong decision when it comes to paths taken in life. If you go left, it will put you on a different road than if you chose to go right, but it's not wrong! I have made some decisions that I wanted to regret sometimes. Dated a bad guy once. Endured some stuff that I never would wish upon anyone, but I don't let myself regret it. In fact, I'm thankful for that relationship! If it weren't for that relationship, I wouldn't be living where I do or have some of the strong friendships that were spawned from that painful relationship. There was a reason why I entered that relationship. There was a reason I crossed paths with that boy. It took over two years for me to come to that understanding.

I truly believe that every big decision you make is just another intersection on your road of life. "When one door closes, God opens a window." I'm sure you've heard that quote before. My Pastor, Andy Stanley took another approach, similar in meaning, that I loved. He said that God uses one opportunity to bring us to another opportunity. I think back to my decision to find an apartment of my own in the city. So many factors had to be considered: where in the city, what budget can I afford, etc. I chose what I felt in my gut would be the best for me even though I had many that disagreed. Through that decision, I have met some of my closest friends, a community that allowed me to have my own pup (my biggest wish), I have ended up working for the complex and I have yet to see what else stems from that decision.

Sometimes it's just fun to think, "What if I chose B instead of A? I wonder what my life would be like?" But always appreciate the journey. When you take moments to stop and reflect, you can see how fast life really does pass us by! Embrace it. Continue to chase your dreams. And be thankful for your past.