Birthday Reflections [She Designed A Life She Loved]

Via

I spent the morning of my birthday in quiet reflection. I couldn't help but smile and feel a huge sense of God's peace.

When we lived in Charlotte for our first year of marriage...I just didn't feel like that's where we were supposed to be. Don't get me wrong, I adore Charlotte, and I miss our family and friends who are family there every single day. But Charlotte is my comfort zone. I didn't want to live my whole life in my comfort zone.

You see, I've spent the majority of my life in Charlotte. My hometown.
When I went to Chapel Hill, I attended with about 20ish people from my high school class.

When I went to camp, I always had friends from home there too (as a camper and a counselor). 

Never had I ever been anywhere where I didn't know someone or have a piece of home with me.

And then there was Mark. He left his home, his family, his best friends, his entire country to pursue and make a life with me! With me! That is an adventure. A grand, selfless, admirable adventure. And he fit so seamlessly and sweetly into the life I always knew in Charlotte.

My neighborhood became our neighborhood.
My favorite restaurants became our favorite restaurants.

My church became our church.

And so on.

But we had nothing that was originally our own.
And that bothered me.
Mark didn't resent me for that. But, in a way, I resented myself for it.

Elizabeth Scott Photography

But now.

Here we are at the beach.
We moved here knowing 0 friends.
Earlier this year I struggled with surrender.
Now [much to our surprise!] we own a home. 

I am able to serve and nurture my little family more than I ever have before.

We've made fabulous friends.
Gotten to know the area.
Discovered our new favorite places here and there.
And we are loving it. Together. 

There is something so romantic about making a life together. Creating our own story from scratch.

All that to say.
Here I am...here we are.
I couldn't feel more content or at peace.
I couldn't feel more thankful.
I so look forward to seeing how God continues to write our story.

Cheers to the beginning of year 27!

Frankly, my dear...you should pop over here to visit my sweet sponsor, Jenni!