How Far We’ve Come

This weekend we celebrated Easter with my youngest stepdaughter. She came into my life when she was four years old and now, she is married, and the mother of two sweet little girls who love to play with their ‘little aunties’ (my three biological girls who are still small). Where does the time go?

While we sat at the dinner table talking, my son-in-law said something to my stepdaughter and then said, “We should ask Mom.” I shared my opinion and sat back in my seat, warmed by his choice of words and secure in their love.

When I look back at our family’s experience as a stepfamily, there are times where I wondered if we’d make it as a couple and as a family. Some of the mountains we climbed left us bruised, broken and in pain.

At times, I felt so alone, like an outsider in my own family.

I am so thankful we didn’t give up.

That we kept trying, even when it hurt.

That we asked the Lord to walk with us and rest his healing hands upon our heads.

I’m so thankful for the gift of love. How love can strengthen and multiply as children grow up, marry, and have their own children.

And in those areas where we still struggle as a family, I believe that He will continue to sustain us and bring us through – better for the struggles, wiser from the pain, and grateful for each other.