Last Thursday, my dear friend Ann came over to go walk. It had been a few weeks since I’d seen her and was really looking forward to catching up. (And the workout as anyone who has ever walked with Ann will tell you!) As she and I set off on our normal route, we began our typical exchange – How are you? How are your kids? – you know…normal stuff. Anyway, after we’d gotten up to speed (literally and figuratively!) Ann asked me, “So what have you been up to?” And for the life of me, I couldn’t tell her.
To be honest, I thought about it all weekend. What have I been doing?
Looking back through some of my recent blog posts, I can tell you that I have:
- washed my sheets
- cleaned under my kitchen sink
- pulled weeds in flowerbed
- worked in my veggie garden
- made peanut butter cookies
- oh and taken a few zillion pictures
Epic stuff right? 
{{I have to laugh because it is sooooo me to feel that just because I’m not DOING anything really huge, then I must be a total slacker.}}
I got to thinking how this year is so different than last year what with the bathroom remodel, spring musical, baccalaureate, and graduation taking place at the time. Just for grins I went back and read some of my old blog posts. I swear I think some deranged psychopath must have hijacked my account because I hardly recognize the person or the voice behind some of those blog posts.
The truth is that if anyone had told me last year at this time that I could be this content, at peace, and well…happy…yes…that’s what it is…HAPPY…I would have either A) started bawling or B) asked them for one of whatever they were having. I was in such a funky place. Plus I was just sure that the best years of my life were coming to a close and that it would not be possible to experience any kind of real contentment and/or happiness once Kelsey left for college.
Man I was so wrong.
This peace/contentment/happiness (whatever you want to call it) didn’t happen for me overnight – it’s been an interesting journey to say the least. But the real paradox about this whole thing is that it was only after I finally surrendered and embraced a little emptiness that my fullness of life returned. And in such wonderful abundance! Truly, I bear witness to healing power and Grace of God.
This past weekend was another very ordinary, yet wonderful time spent with my family at home and last night I felt inspired to create a little scrapbook layout to celebrate this Good Life. I printed out some recent Instagram photos and added a little Crate Paper goodness.
So Ann, to answer your question, “What have you been doing?” I have been enjoying my family. I have been enjoying the wonderful home that we have worked so hard to create. I have been enjoying my friends (including you). I have been enjoying my hobbies.
And I have been enjoying my life.
Peace, Kelly
Hi Kelly! This one was a good one for me to read since I’m going through the senior thing right now with Madison. I’m glad to know that not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, there might be a whole new world for me waiting through the light! Thanks for putting your “stuff” out there! I really enjoy reading your blog. Love you Girl!!
Lori G
lori, you just made my day. thank you so much for the encouraging comment. i soooo know what you’re going through and send you lots of hugs!! if you lived closer, i’d invite you over for a drink too. 🙂 hang in there girl! love, kelly
You are sooooooo RIGHT!! There is life after, and after and well I haven’t got to the 3rd one out the door….but I am sure there is life after that too!!! The fact that we have such awesome friends to remind us of the home we have worked so hard to build and enjoy, is one of the most amazing gifts I have!!! Thanks so much for always reminding me to enjoy the little things….like clean sheets!! 🙂 I love you friend!
thank you for being such a wonderful friend. i love you too. 🙂