Several years ago I was sitting in an interview with a bishop of mine discussing my goals, the future, my newly healed heart...I described to him how I saw the next phase of my life.
"I just want to read beautiful books and to play music and eat delicious food and meet interesting people and see beautiful places. I think I could travel the world."
The expression of my hopes and dreams was followed by:
"well, how do you expect to get married that way?!?"
I've had a good long while to figure this one out.
And I think I'm about ready to fully accept that life doesn't have to be a certain way.
I didn't marry young, I'm not having babies, I didn't get the majority of my education in a college, I didn't go on a mission, I don't have a car...have I done anything normal?
I did play in a folk rock band. And I went to massage school. Twice. I did live on my own for 4 years (go me!). But I live with my parents again... and I really love it. Like a lot a lot. My family is a dream.
And I think I'm about ready to fully accept that life doesn't have to be a certain way.
I didn't marry young, I'm not having babies, I didn't get the majority of my education in a college, I didn't go on a mission, I don't have a car...have I done anything normal?
I did play in a folk rock band. And I went to massage school. Twice. I did live on my own for 4 years (go me!). But I live with my parents again... and I really love it. Like a lot a lot. My family is a dream.
I've dated a ton. Like almost more than anyone I've ever met. Lots of the really-great-but-not-for-me kind of guys and lots of the not-so-great-what-was-I-thinking kind of guys. Don't worry, if you're reading this you're probably one of the good ones ;)
If I had to measure my life by the landmarks that make up the average mormon girls life it would seem that i've spent the whole of my adult years hiding in a closet.
I'm endlessly grateful for the Spirit and the gift of discernment.
How bleak and worrisome my outlook would be if I thought I needed to follow someone else's path.
Anyway, I have no idea what my future looks like! But I know God's hand is in it and I know that it won't be uneventful. I've put a lot of energy into listening for which direction I should head and I've also chosen a lot of beautiful things on my own.
I really like my life. So just let me tell you that it's ok for me not to be "normal". Let's all feel 100% good about this :)
If I had to measure my life by the landmarks that make up the average mormon girls life it would seem that i've spent the whole of my adult years hiding in a closet.
I'm endlessly grateful for the Spirit and the gift of discernment.
How bleak and worrisome my outlook would be if I thought I needed to follow someone else's path.
Anyway, I have no idea what my future looks like! But I know God's hand is in it and I know that it won't be uneventful. I've put a lot of energy into listening for which direction I should head and I've also chosen a lot of beautiful things on my own.
I really like my life. So just let me tell you that it's ok for me not to be "normal". Let's all feel 100% good about this :)
2 responses to Adventure In The Great Wide Somewhere
I feel great about it ! Now get out there and PeDdlE! woo hoo !
Love ya ! And be safe ! safe SAFE SAFE !
I love this! I would tell those people who punctuated my goals, dreams and ambitions with "what about getting married" That if someone would like to join me on life's journey I'll certainly welcome the company...but I'm not waiting to be happy. :) Adventure onward, Patchouli Jones!
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