Gifts come in all sorts of different ways. Sometimes they walk into your life through a dozen pairs of feet. The first pair belonged to the sleeping baby carried by her Mother. Then 4 kids ranging in age from 9 ~ 13 each removed their shoes, carefully wiping off the snow. Finally, their Father entered the foyer and extended his hand to introduce his family.
Thus we welcomed to our home for Christmas Dinner a family whom we were meeting for the first time. They had recently moved to the Grand Rapids area. Our party was an eclectic collection of family, friends and brand new acquaintances.
As introductions continued, an amazing thing began to occur. To everyone's surprise...connections emerged. Here in a Grand Rapids, Michigan living room people who had never met met each other found that they had lived in neighboring communities abroad and had gone to some of the same schools, albeit at different times. Remarkable!
Later that evening, I sat down for a chat with the Mom. She had travelled alone to the United States, from West Africa approximately 5 years ago. As a skilled nurse, she wanted to continue her studies. She was able to get admission into local university, but they demanded payment in FULL for the entire year. She shared a remarkable story of how her school fees were miraculously payed for within one week through the kindness of strangers. Then in the most wonderful way her entire family was able to join her after 9 months. Both Mom and Dad had just completed their PhD's within the last month. Wow!
She summed up her journey with this statement..."I love being on an adventure with God. He never disappoints." What an extraordinary outlook on life...An Adventure with God! What a challenge. So often, I'm tempted to play it Safe. There's a part of me that's Wild with Adventure. Then my cautious Voice of Reason steps in and demands an accounting..."How do you intend to accomplish this? What's it Going to Cost? Will it Succeed?"
Just a couple days prior to this dinner , I'd met another young lady in a sparkling dress. Pretty, engaging and
articulate; we started to chat. It became apparent quite quickly that she was not happy. She felt trapped...as though life had passed her by. She had lost faith in her dreams. Despite my encouragement, she insisted that I was one of those "lucky people." I sensed deep desperation underneath the shimmer. I told her I understood...my battles were not unlike hers. Luck had little to do with it. But, she didn't seem to see how powerful her negativity was. I guess we all have a Choice.
So, it's a constant battle of 2 minds...both perfectly reasonable from their individual perspectives. Two voices...one whispering the sweet song of our inmost desires...the other reminding us of our darkest dread. An Adventure with God is either remarkably liberating or extremely frightening. Depends on your perspective.
I'm listening to this woman with 4 kids share her story and thinking...isn't this what we're all called to do. Live Life in a Way that engages the Adventure? Life's dance is supposed to fling us with abandon to the outer limits, freeing us from being trapped by the small boundaries of a shriveled core.
So, I see the Gift. Six living examples of where Life can Take Your Dreams when you're willing to Flap your wings and try to fly. Cause simply Trying guarantees that you won't be in the same place when you land as where you were before you tried. And that's the essential nature of progress. I'm thankful that I was given a Special Gift. A Challenge which stimulated my imagination and challenged me to trust my dreams. After all, Dreams are labelled individually for a very good reason.
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Lola Audu, is the Designated Broker & Owner of Audu Real Estate. Our company specializes in helping people buy and sell homes in the greater Grand Rapids, West Michigan area. We've had the privilege of helping hundreds of clients succeed in their goals of purchasing and selling property including demonstrated success in the negotiation of Short Sale Transactions. You can contact us via e-mail @ info@auduhomes.com or by phone at 616-791-0511.
Very inspirational! It sounds like you had a truly remarkable Christmas! Thanks for the reminder that we all have a choice to make in regards to our future and our dreams. It's up to us, on our own, to either engage in the Adventure God gives us or to not try at all!
Jenny
Lola, This is absolutely beautiful. Perhaps you would consider reposting this and adding it to the Inspiration group...I'd like to feature it there as I believe it can benefit many people to read this wonderful story and the message it portrays.
All the best to you and your loved ones in the coming year,
Jo
Lola - really wonderful story about your mom. It's always nice to be conscious of the good that surrounds us. It's always there if we're willing.
best holiday wishes
Lola, it is a small world isn't it!!
I think life is about choices and what we decide to do with them. We can choose for God to fill our glass or not! Nice post!!
Lola - What a lovely story! It's amazing how many times you can talk to people that are in like situations and some will see it as opportunity and the others will see it as a setback.
In my world....life is a daily adventure. Plans are only guidelines to keep us focused, but the ability to vary those plans and make the most of the opportunities is what's important.
He is at the helm of the ship we call Life. We have to trust Him enough so as not to panic when we hit rough waters. We will make it through.
Lola- Thanks for sharing a lovely Christmas story. You always manage to inspire us and allowing glimpses of the very special person that you are.
Best wishes for the New Year.
2 different stories of 2 women - One woman who had a deeply held faith and determination to work hard and found her rewards in life. (Amazing isn't she? How touching!) Another woman who lost faith and cannot see the goodness around her or within herself. I hope rays of light touch this other woman and she starts on the path to happiness soon.
Lola, this is so beautiful. Thank you so much for telling us their stories.
Eloise, Thank you for stopping by to read and comment. I appreciate it.
"Trying guarantees that you won't be in the same place when you land as where you were before you tried."
In each writing there is a message, in the message, there are statements that stand out that defines a lesson.... This is one of the ones that i've taken from your writing that seems to mimic my whole life!!
We seem to hold our breath while reading what you've penned... never knowing in advance where the outcome will lead.... guess we are just your "captive audience?" This was good... and i do have a hunch that you left enough "food for thought" deposited on the heart of the young lady that she'll either come back for more, or will meditate on (what will not return unto HIM void)... that is, once she gets over what has her BLOCKED in the mind.
Happy New Year Lola!
"Trying guarantees that you won't be in the same place when you land as where you were before you tried."
In each writing there is a message, in the message, there are statements that stand out that defines a lesson.... This is one of the ones that i've taken from your writing that seems to mimic my whole life!!
We seem to hold our breath while reading what you've penned... never knowing in advance where the outcome will lead.... guess we are just your "captive audience?" This was good... and i do have a hunch that you left enough "food for thought" deposited on the heart of the young lady that she'll either come back for more, or will meditate on (what will not return unto HIM void)... that is, once she gets over what has her BLOCKED in the mind.
Happy New Year Lola!