Learning from Place to Place

Each time we load up and move on to a new post, I end up reflecting on what I've learned at the one we're leaving behind.  I find myself doing that again.

Our first duty assignment was in Hawaii.  (I know, spectacular, right?!)  When hubby and I arrived in Hawaii, we were 19, had been married for about 10 months and had been parents for two weeks.  We were babies.  Leaving Hawaii, we were a little older, maybe wiser (maybe) and had two kiddos.  During our three and a half years there, I learned that I could take care of myself and my kids.  I learned where to put brake fluid in my car.  I learned that life sometimes throws you a curve ball, but you've still got to swing.  You might miss, but at least you'll go down swinging.

After Hawaii, we moved to Texas.  We went through another deployment, too much partying and a whole lot of heartache.  I learned that I am strong.  Heartbreak happens.  Heart healing also happens.  I learned that sometimes people don't care about you.  They'll use you to get what they want and walk away without even caring about the damage they leave behind, kind of like a really bad tornado.  But I also learned that when a broken heart heals, it is stronger.  I learned what was important to me and not to care what other people thought about that.

From Texas, we moved here to Kentucky.  Our precious baby girl was born here.  I've learned that some of the best things in life are worth waiting for.  I also realized that God gives us stuff when He knows we're ready for it, and only He knows when that is.  I learned that hubby and I can in fact live together.  (Sounds odd, I know, but until here he's been gone so much that we averaged less than a year at home together before he was off on more training or deployments...typical Army life.)  I came to realize how much I really don't like credit cards.  Most importantly, I learned how to look at past mistakes and not dwell on them.  I realized that I have to be realistic about life in general.  I maintain my optimistic outlook, and I'm still a dreamer.  But I do not expect perfection.  In fact, I understand, more now than ever, that I prefer my washable marker covered, mac and cheese all over the place, laundry is never finished, chaotic life to any other.