Anywhere but here

These were the words I swore to Will before we said I do.

Let's find adventure, fill a life of exciting, romantic moments (preferably by the sea) and I'll follow you anywhere

Anywhere but here.

That engagement summer I crouched over these same rows, collecting the beans in my basket as I also collected my thoughts.

Never again.

I WILL NOT do this again.

In just a few short weeks I will be free to choose and I promise I will not be back to awaken in the early summer morning, to beat the sun and the suffocating heat, just to pick these silly beans that can be bought already shelled at the grocery store.

I always knew that I loved this land that my grandaddy and daddy both work. This home where grandparents, aunts, and uncles all live within walking distance, but I craved more. More of what, I can't remember exactly anymore because here I am. His plans that I thought would lead me far away, brought me full circle. Right back to the beginning.

Right back here.

My eyes have been opened and I can see

That simple is beautiful and rare and something to crave.

That the death of some dreams is really only the birth of something far greater.

That family really is everything.

That my adventure and fulfillment can be found in serving.

And how beautiful are my hope and future.

***

"I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 The Message