The Year Without Friends

I haven't always been a "people-person." I grew up quite shy. With time and maturity, I began to love being with friends as much as I valued my alone time. I need both to stay in balance. This past year has been out of balance through necessity. I chose a path of isolation in order to accomplish my mission.

I am grateful I heard the soft whisper that motivated me to turn my dream into reality. I've known for over ten years that God wanted me to write a book about my experience raising two special needs boys. This was a story that would show how God transformed me from a quivering jellyfish into a woman of hope and courage.

I have come to realize how much people need to hear a message of hope today. As the world grows darker each day with cynicism and hatred, I have seen hopelessness metastasize like a deadly cancer. For the last ten years, that gentle whisper constantly urged my heart to take action.

In 2016 I made a decision that would change the course of my entire life. I said, "Yes, Lord." I began writing my story in 2018, not knowing what challenges would come my way as the year progressed. It's a good thing we don't know our future, or we might hide and lose our courage.

The year steered me down many unfamiliar paths. I was scared many times. I knew though, that to accomplish my mission, I would need to keep my candle of faith lit to make it through the dark times.

I also knew I would travel a lonely road. I had to stay focused on my mission and keep my social outings to a bare minimum. Although I joined in on some social gatherings, mostly I was alone. This was the only way I could keep traveling at a hard and fast pace.

With 2019 dawning, I was nearly ready to submit my book for the printing process. That wonderful day came this week. My husband was so overjoyed he surprised me with a lovely dinner to a nice restaurant. Could this be the beginning of my entry back into my familiar world of friendship time? I feel like I've just walked through a desert and can't believe I'm allowed to drink a glass of refreshing water!

Sometimes we have to sacrifice in order to achieve a challenging goal. Whether it's to lose weight for better health, take uncomfortable steps to be closer to God, or become a parent for the first time; I hope you will have the courage to meet your goal. I can say without a doubt that I'm glad I went through the leaner times, and now I am ready for abundance.

For more good news on hope, visit my website at www.sparklinghope.net.

My book, "THE SONG OF MY HOPE, How to Travel from Despair to Hope While Raising Your Special Needs Kids," is now in its 2nd Edition! I also created, "MY HOPE JOURNAL, Companion to THE SONG OF MY HOPE, for Connection Groups."

Thanks for this visit!

#What'sNew