The Only Constant In Life Is Change
Two weeks ago we took our little family on an amazing trip to the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. I've been organizing my thoughts and feels and will write about that soon. For now I want to talk about change (and share some photos from our trip). There is a saying that "The only constant in life is change" and as hard as I try to hold on to things and keep them just they way they are...the way that makes me comfortable, the quicker the journey seems to twist and turn.
As I get a little older I start to realize that with change comes so many priceless gifts. When we have been in "the thick of it" in certain stages of childhood you can't really see what's going on around you. Survival becomes your only goal, surviving late night newborn feedings, surviving potty training, surviving grocery trips with 2 toddlers and a newborn. There is little time to appreciate that crazy, busy, scary stage of life, but as circumstances change and kids grow and mature you can look back and see how those times shaped you as parents, as partners and as a family. You look back and think, if only things were still that easy. Perspective...a gift.
As life evolves I can't help but to feel gratitude for all the trials and challenges that create change in the course. We all know that trials are part of life, however, gratitude is rarely the feeling that is present while we are navigating through them. It's usually frustration, sadness and desperation that we experience in those moments. Once you can see how those speed bumps and detours lead you to a destination that could be achieve no other way, the love and appreciate for those changes in life can finally be felt.
Our little family has seen so much change in our 11 year marriage: births of babies, losses of loved ones, moves to new houses, first days of school, goals and dreams realized. These are just a few of many and I know there is so much more ahead. The more we learn how to embrace change and see the gifts that it brings the more we can enjoy life!
I wanted to let you all know of another change happening. While Jen and I have loved pouring our hearts into the Elevate Conference for the last 5 years life has changed...as it always does. Our babies in diapers are now going to school and playing sports and needing more of our time and love. We've decided that it's time for a new journey that allows us to focus more on the growing needs of our family as well as share more of ourselves with all of you who have followed and supported us for along the way. We will no longer be hosting the Elevate Conference (which breaks our hearts), but we are excited to be able to have our own spaces where you can get to know us and our families more. I'll still be blogging here at Elevate and Jen is blogging at By Jen Rose. We have loved this partnership and how it has changed and improved each of us and are looking forward to what the future holds.