One Small Step

After deciding to start a blog and trying to come up with a name, I got a jolt of inspiration one night while rocking my son to sleep. His bedtime routine gives me the chance to unwind, reflect, and pray while he drifts off to sleep.

I like the definitions of "unplugged" and feel they are appropriate for this stage of my life. The last few years have been somewhat difficult for us. Individually, and as a couple, my hubby and I made poor decisions that caused a lot of distress. Since that time we've been working together to get back to level ground - a place where we can confidently continue building a family that thrives in every way. We've moved on from unhealthy relationships, we've confronted our own damaging behaviors, examined our coping mechanisms and learned better ways to manage stress. In short, we got rid of a lot of obstruction. We unplugged!

In that time, two major events drastically changed my perspective. We had a child, and after he was born we moved to sunny California. There was nothing like a baby growing in my belly and moving to a place without my support network to cause me to identify what was truly important to me and our little family, to re-prioritize, and to focus my energy in more positive ways. We began making little but significant changes, one small step at a time.

One of our goals is to simplify by reducing our possessions, our stuff. We sold and gave away extra furniture, dishes, appliances and accessories that we weren't really using. We also limit our purchases, including toys. I'm not embarrassed to say that the kiddo counts several cardboard boxes and paper towel tubes among his favorites! There's no denying that the changes are largely due to necessity and a peek into our garage will tell you that we still have a long way to go. But we can definitely attest to the financial, emotional, and spiritual freedom we now have a result of disconnecting from our over-consumption.

Each of us has also made individual changes that have added greatly to making us a truly happy little threesome. That's a far cry from saying that we don't have our setbacks. It's hard for me not to feel a little envious when I see the abundance that my neighbors enjoy. And it's easy to lament being in this sleepy little northern California town when I hear all about the fun family get-togethers back home. Despite that, in my core, I know that this is exactly where we are supposed to be right now. The path may be narrow and rough, but we can see the future God has for us and it's right around the bend! It is that promise that started us on  this journey and reminds us to continue on it when we become tired and dejected.

I know we can't do this without our amazing family and friends who support us and show us love in many ways. We are so grateful for people who, despite our mistakes and regardless of how near or far, remain with us! At each small step we both learn a lot - about ourselves, our values, how to fulfill the dreams we have for our family. This blog is just my way of sharing the struggles and the blessings we receive along the way with the hope that, in some small way, it makes a difference to someone else.

 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.