Looking Back and Looking Ahead

2014. For real? I’ve been out of high school for 25 years. Don’t bother with the math — I’m 42 and graduated in 1989. I don’t feel 42 most of the time. Not that I really know how 42 feels, I guess; but I don’t feel like I always thought 42 would feel.

Anyway, I suppose I’m feeling a little reflective as I consider that 25 years ago this month I began my last semester of high school. Here are some things I was sure of back then:

• I’d be a wildly successful political consultant, probably a key advisor on at least one presidential campaign.
• I might be married but definitely not to a pastor.
• I’d live in a metropolitan area and basically I’d be pretty glamorous.

It’s funny now to think about all those dreams and expectations I had back then. I love that I truly believed I could do anything, that the sky was the limit to where I’d go and what I’d accomplish.  Seventeen-year-old Teri Lynne was confident and ambitious. {Not so much for 42-year-old Teri Lynne.}

Fast forward to today:

• I’m a consultant but not for politics … I help small businesses and individuals develop plans to achieve their goals.
• I’ll celebrate my 18th wedding anniversary this year … with my pastor/worship leader husband.
• I live in a very small, very rural town in Alabama … and I’m decidedly unglamorous.

The thing is, my life is still everything I ever wanted. I love what I do! I’m married to my very best friend.  And, shockingly enough, I love living in small towns.  I guess what I’m trying {badly?} to say is this:

As we begin the march through 2014, it probably doesn’t look exactly like you thought or maybe even hoped it would. But that’s okay! It really is. Because it’s not our plans that make life rich and beautiful … in fact, sometimes it’s our plans that keep us from realizing all the blessings we have. So before this month ends, before you’re scratching your head saying, “How is it already summer??” {because let’s face it, that might happen!}, take a moment to look around and celebrate the beauty and richness of your life right now.

And while you’re at it, will you take a moment to share with us in the comments what one or two of those blessings is? We’d love to celebrate your life with you!

Here’s to 2014!
Teri Lynne