So 4 years ago around this time, I was preparing for what I would later find out was a new chapter of my life. I was preparing for a birthday party/ grill out. By “preparing” I mean, I was thawing out seasoned chicken, – checking on the birthday guy and of course testing my homemade sangria…. for the third time. You ever been preparing for something and then you get turned upside down for what it really turned out to be?!?! Time to grab that drink!!

One minute you’re preparing to greet guests and within the blink of an eye you get a heart stopping phone call.

One minute you check in to your suite preparing to enjoy your vacation and the next, you’re in an emergency room in a foreign country watching your 2 year old get stitches in his head.

One minute you’re preparing for a great week at work, the next you’re staring at news reports of a worldwide pandemic.

One minute you are preparing by battening down your home to “ride out” the hurricane, the next minute you are holding onto a tree in the middle of what seemed like a nightmare.

One minute you’re preparing your mind for work by listening to “Hope” by Faith Evans on the drive, next minute you’re upside down on the Eastern Road in your brand new 2006 Honda Civic Coupe.

In each situation, no matter the “preparations” – no one was prepared!! We continue to move through this world, shaken by the events but “preparing” for whatever awaits. THAT is called FAITH!! Whether we realize it or not, we each hold on to a great deal of faith. Faith that assures us that even though the path that we intended on taking may have gotten a boulder or even a few trees thrown in the way, we can pick up and begin a new journey.

I was not prepared to write this post today, actually I started about 4 more posts in the days already past. This is still a new journey for me. I am still preparing yet I’m unprepared. I still have so much on my heart and in my head when it comes to today but, I will do what I do and lean on my faith. With most new journeys, there comes a time for celebration. So today I celebrate for the birthday guy and for myself.