The Mile Markers of Life

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

There are certain moments in a lifetime that leave a mark. We are all on an adventure of life, somehow connected by our choice of travel being fast, medium or slow paced to get us to each 'mile marker', as if journeying down the open road. I am realizing as I get older that there is nothing wrong with being at a slower pace, maybe because I can see my past layed out so broadly behind me now and my future coming up so fast in front of me (please, time, slow down).

Nate is celebrating his fifth birthday this week and it caused me to do some reevaluating of my life. Yesterday I felt a little melancholy most of the day and couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe my love's birthdays always make me drift back into my collection of memories I store away for each of them on their special day.

This certain day made me pause at this mile marker. As of yesterday, I have been a grandmother for five years. Now I'm not making this day about me, (because it is all about Nate and I cannot wait to celebrate with him on Saturday) but when I think about my life before Nate, I have a hard time thinking about me not holding the title of grandmother. Sure, I hold many other titles; the special ones being daughter, wife, mama, sister, but to hear my three little ones call me Bo is like putting a flame to a sparkler...almost everything else dims in comparison.

Every mile marker can be met with some measure of thoughtfulness...am I ready for the next curve? Do I have what it takes to finish strong? Am I taking care of myself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? Am I prepared for the mountains and valleys I will face?

It is impossible for us to take in the full extent of our life at a moment's glance, so we take it one mile marker at a time, pausing just long enough at each to evaluate how far we've come and to ask ourselves, do we have the endurance needed to win this race called life?

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb. 12:1)

Each of us has this gift. It is an opportunity to check in at each mile marker and make sure you are still running the course the Lord has set out for you. Make it a point to notice, and either adjust or celebrate where you are today, giving God the glory for how far you've come and all the wonderful mile markers that are adding up to a sweet collection that is your story.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, I celebrate You today. Thank You for all the ways You have prospered me in my life. Help me to slow down my pace so that I can recognize Your lead and follow You. I celebrate all my accomplishments by giving You the glory. Help me when I am weak and forgive me when I have messed up. May I finish strong. In Jesus' name. Amen.