I enjoyed a marvelous Saturday w/ the lovely Tammi & Emily Gidlow. We went to the city of Stoke-on-Trent (about 3 hours away) and made a final before-we-leave-England shopping trip to one of the potteries in that area. The Burleigh company is the last brand that still actually makes their china in England (rather than outsourcing it to Asia). We picked out teapot sets for keepsakes for each of her daughters. I stocked up on a whole bunch of good gifts. Very fun.
I've always been told that my name suits me well. Joy does not equate happiness. Happiness waxes and wanes with circumstances but joy is a trait, a decision. It is my challenge to live up to this - to be a thermostat of contentment, not a thermometer of others' reactions.
I've lived at more addresses than I can count. In Minnesota. In Colorado. In England. In Virginia. In New Jersey. In Virginia again. An address doesn't make a home.
I've stepped into and out of many roles in my life. Daughter. Sister. Student. Friend. Student. Wife. Military Spouse. Student. Student. Researcher. Psychologist. Supervisor. A role doesn't define a person.
Our journey has been a winding road. One paved by uncertainty, sacrifice, pain, hope, disappointment, gratitude, goodbyes, tears, heartache, loss, faith, victory, and celebration. I am humbled beyond words to have walked this road alongside of the precious people who have become a part of our story. The people who have walked with us through choking difficulty and immense joy.
This story exists because of the Author and Perfecter of our faith. It is my humble prayer that the chronicle of our days speaks most loudly to the Reason we live and love the way that we do.
1 comment:
Another fun England memory for you. Looks like a fascinating place to visit.
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