We recognize what a miracle it is that she is still with us, let alone graduating. For us, it illustrates the importance of being prepared. DD18 went into the semester at nearly a 4.0 GPA. She didn't graduate summa cum laude but she managed to graduate cum laude (that's the yellow Honors stole you see her wearing), even with the tumbles that kept her out of school for nearly half the semester. Being so well prepared before the emergency hit meant that the impact of the slide down was not nearly as deep as it would have been if she'd taken the slacker party route through college. Her heretofore hard work and dedication bought her grace with her professors also, who were more inclined to work with her because of her previous performance, versus if she'd demonstrated she was a slacker.
The importance of getting and being prepared is one of the many takeaway lessons we have learned these past few months. We have seen the importance of getting out of debt and having a savings; we have seen the importance of having a familiar relationship with God (there are no atheists in foxholes) before the tragedy strikes; we know the value of friendship and the effect of lending a helping hand.
We have internalized the wisdom of listening to 'that still, small voice' rather than the roar of panic. Did I mention we have to move out of our rented place by Sunday, there's problems with the title for the house we're buying, AND our truck blew a head gasket yesterday morning?) In all, we stick with the plan, make adjustments as necessary after luxuriating in a few minutes of self-pity, then move forward.
On the plus side is: we may be lake FRONT rather than lake SIDE with all the rain in Texas (higher property value, lol? I'm trying for humor here), DD18 gets a few more weeks with medical checkups and tests (we've decided she's truly more Asian like her mom after all--she's passed every medical test with flying colors!). We've been tossing, donating or selling stuff left and right. Still way too much for TinyHouse living, so I guess it's a good thing it's a regular house.
And once DS19 and I get work established post-move, we'll be able to buy a truck. In the meantime, one of us will get a lot of driving time :) At least that vehicle is reliable.
I'm not complaining about the 4Runner. We bought it very used for $2,500 two years ago and it has served us well. Overall, we are grateful that it blew NOW versus on the road in the middle of nowhere, stranding us towing a trailer.
We are grateful for the loving hand of God who has softened the blows of life for us. Others may think unless God prevents or erases all blows and setbacks that this proves there is no God, like the guy who is falling off a roof, prays for God to save him, gets caught on a nail which stops his fall and says "never mind God it's handled."
We choose to recognize the nail for what it is: intervention. Softening the blow. "If it was going to happen" at least it happens in our favor, or the least impact. That life is often a series of obstacles which can be overcome with work, faith and prayer.
That there is much joy and happiness to be found if we will simply stop, and take the time to recognize it.
Mahalo.
On the plus side is: we may be lake FRONT rather than lake SIDE with all the rain in Texas (higher property value, lol? I'm trying for humor here), DD18 gets a few more weeks with medical checkups and tests (we've decided she's truly more Asian like her mom after all--she's passed every medical test with flying colors!). We've been tossing, donating or selling stuff left and right. Still way too much for TinyHouse living, so I guess it's a good thing it's a regular house.
And once DS19 and I get work established post-move, we'll be able to buy a truck. In the meantime, one of us will get a lot of driving time :) At least that vehicle is reliable.
I'm not complaining about the 4Runner. We bought it very used for $2,500 two years ago and it has served us well. Overall, we are grateful that it blew NOW versus on the road in the middle of nowhere, stranding us towing a trailer.
We are grateful for the loving hand of God who has softened the blows of life for us. Others may think unless God prevents or erases all blows and setbacks that this proves there is no God, like the guy who is falling off a roof, prays for God to save him, gets caught on a nail which stops his fall and says "never mind God it's handled."
We choose to recognize the nail for what it is: intervention. Softening the blow. "If it was going to happen" at least it happens in our favor, or the least impact. That life is often a series of obstacles which can be overcome with work, faith and prayer.
That there is much joy and happiness to be found if we will simply stop, and take the time to recognize it.
Mahalo.
