Today as I begin to write this I can’t help but think about the famous line from the film Forrest Gump. “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get.” Thinking about this in my mind’s eye I picture the huge variety box of chocolates. You know the ones that people generally give you at Christmas or Valentine’s Day. You pick one of the chocolate treats and it tastes amazing! Then the next one you pick makes you want to run to the trash can to dispose of it, but trying to be polite you force yourself to swallow it. So the image of “Life is like a box of chocolates” rings true to all of us. We’ve all had our difficult moments that we struggle through wishing we weren’t there. However, we’ve also had those sweet tasting, glorious, unforgettable moments in our lives. Well, my family and I have had a season of mostly yucky tasting chocolates. Amidst all of those we have had a few amazing ones too.
The Unappetizing Chocolates
As you can imagine with five daughters, three son-in-laws, and five grandchildren our lives are chaotic. This past year hasn’t been an easy one, but I’m so thankful for the love my family has for each other. I’m also continually amazed at how the Lord reveals Himself during difficult moments. He is always there giving love, grace, and mercy.
In January my middle daughter was involved in a terrible accident along with her son who was only six months old. Thankfully the Lord was with them that day. An intoxicated person injured both, but they are alive. My daughter has gone through a couple of surgeries, lots of physical therapy, and emotional therapy. She was holding her son when they were injured and she thought her son had died. It was all very traumatic for everyone involved, especially her. So thankful that the Lord watched over them and continues to do so. They are recovering and it looks like brighter days ahead.
The Savory Ones in Life
Even with all the tragedy, heartache, and struggles my injured daughter wanted to move forward with her wedding. We had intended to have her wedding in April at our home and she wanted to stick with the plan. So we all jumped in to plan, organize, and set-up for this special day. Meanwhile my daughter worked on being able to walk down the aisle without a walking boot or walker to aid her. Happily she succeeded and was able to walk barefoot with her daddy down the aisle even though her leg and foot was too swollen to wear shoes. It was a joy filled time for all of us. The Lord is good, He gives us good gifts as a reminder to us that He is with us even through the rough times.
Eating All the Chocolates
Life IS like a box of chocolates. We never know what we’re going to get, but we eat each chocolate with anticipation. Once the box is empty our life has come to the end. We will have memories of all those unappetizing moments that we wish we could forget. However, we will also have those savory times that we love to replay over and over in our mind’s eye. Our box of chocolates never go stale. They are always fresh whether they are appetizing or not. I’m incredibly thankful for my family, friends, and the Lord God above. He is my stronghold, my fortress. Because of Him I’m looking forward to my next chocolate. 🙂
Till Next Time,
Romona
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