I was having some quiet time in my room (I chuckle at this because most kids hate being sent to their room, LOL, how ironic). I looked up at pictures I have on the top of my tv stand, pictures of my cousin, who recently got married, a picture of my dad (today makes a year since he left us), a family picture, a picture of my aunt (it’s been a little more than a year since she left us), a Mary Kay prize I received, and a picture of Paris that my friend gave me from her trip. As I looked at each of these items, I thought, these are the pieces of me.
While I’m sad about my dad and my aunt leaving this earth, I’m grateful to know they are a piece of me. I keep them in my heart daily, and through me, their legacy lives on. In life, we have ups and downs, good and bad days, but they all make up your experience, your story. It makes you better, good or bad. They are all pieces of you. Don’t neglect all the pieces of you and the legacy of those that have left this earth physically, but continue to live in your heart and even through your actions. Their legacy lives on. I’m grateful for all the pieces of me.
I’ve learned so much through my experiences. I believe the biggest lesson I’ve learned is summed up in the scripture, Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” No experience goes unused. We grow through our experiences. Although it still hurts just thinking of my dad not being here anymore, there was much that I gained dealing with his passing. I saw God’s strength in a way I have never seen it, I came to understand the power of prayer on another level, and I experienced more love than I ever could have imagined. The love of people calling, texting, sharing encouraging words, and pouring in me. I look back over this past year knowing how happy my dad would have been just to see the growth I’ve experienced. I’m grateful to have him as my forever guardian angel. He is a piece of me and I’m thankful for the time God allowed me to have him with me.
The pieces of you make you who you are, even the things that you don’t want to talk about. God is working it all out for your good. And it will be a blessing to those that you come in contact with. Do not take for granted all the pieces of you and your story.
Prayer: Lord, help us to seek you and recognizing the pieces of us and how they make us unique. Thank you for our experiences, the good and the bad, as they do great work in us and make us better and stronger. Thank you that even when we do not understand what is going on in our lives we can come to you. Give us the strength and courage to live a life that is pleasing to you and the legacy you have for us to leave with others. I pray that you give us the peace to deal with each of the pieces of us the good and the bad. Thank you, God, for being you.
