Life Really IS Like a Box of Chocolates!
I saw on the news that Forrest Gump is 25 years old. Hard to believe, isn’t it? A new classic, the movie was full of emotion, star power, and oh, the quotes. I still hear quotes today.
“Run, Forrest, Run” is what I hear when someone takes off in a jog.
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”
I got to thinking, I turn 50 in 2020. Through the post-Forest years, I’ve dealt with marriage, infertility, miracle births, miscarriage, moves, job transition, financial challenges, church “stuff,” near death of baby, special need issues, loss of parent and in-laws, marriage of older children, book publications, ministry work, births of grandchildren.
Lots of highs. Amazing things I remember in the moment I thought could not get better. They were the milk chocolate days. The chocolates with coconut. Or hazelnut. Or almonds. Wedding day. Births of children. Child graduation. Seeing my books on Amazon.
Then there are the valleys. The seasons where I’ve told Jesus in prayer I’m thankful for eternity because I want the tour of my teas to understand. Miscarriage. Financial troubles. Loss of loved ones. Near death of child. Teen heartbreak. Oh, to me, these are the chocolates filled with cherry. Vanilla. Anything that oozes fruit. Buttercreams.
As I’ve grown, I’m not as shocked as I used to be when hard times strike. What is changing is how I react to it. Years ago, I went from questioning the why to believing God. That was huge. Now? I’m working on praising Him at all times. Have you tried? As I type this, I’m supposed to drive and be social at an event where the heat index will be over 100. And my hormones are not in a good place, and I overheat when it’s 65. Praise God? But I don’t want to.
But, I’m trying. Recently I discovered news that wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t great, but it was…something. And I decided because of that, I was giving thanks.
The real mark of maturity for me is literal. Can I reach in and grab a cherry cordial and be thankful? That remains to be seen.
But I thought I’d share my revelation. Life really is like a box of chocolates. I don’t know what I’m going to get, but I’m working on being thankful.
How about you?
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Did you know our daughter and I co-wrote a series for not only middle grade girls, but women of all ages? This unique series, Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’, features You’re Beautiful and You’re Amazing. Free for Kindle Unlimited. Check it out!
