By the time we left for Michigan on Friday, I was actually excited for our trip.  My anxiety from the previous day was gone and I was ready to make the most of our time with family, as a family.  During the 11+ hour drive, I was thankful for the peace and happy anticipation that I had about the trip.  God hears prayers, and whether the request was mine or others’, somehow I appreciate blessings more when they come as an answer.

Right now we are done visiting my family.  We leave for Wisconsin in the morning.  I’d like to say that it has been an entirely fun and refreshing time, but the reality is that visiting my family can be hard, for a number of reasons.  By the time we headed back to the hotel last night, I was pretty frustrated.  But God reminded me of who He has called me to be.  He challenged me and convicted me, yet at the same time whispered peace to my heart.  Life can be so much easier when we remember why we are.  And I am thankful both for these couple days here – the refining and reminding (as well as the family I love)- and for the life I have been blessed with that is far removed from what I knew as a child.  God is ever faithful to me.