Humbled is me.

So many days, especially in most recent days, I think.....woe is me. I don't like to talk about how I'm having such a hard time with Elijah being gone, but it's there. I look on facebook at people who have their spouses with them everyday. I see people out on dates when I'm picking up dinner alone. I see couples sitting together in church. I think, daily, of how nice it would be to have one night with Elijah.....and all these thoughts.....it can get me down most days. Sometimes, I get so caught up in how bad I think I have it.....but really, I have it so good.

Last night, God showed me something that humbled me so much. I've been tearing up ever since....I even cry as I write. My girlfriends and I decided to go to dinner in downtown Savannah. We stopped at this place of entertainment (It's a piano restaurant)......There is two big pianos, two guys, and many different songs played on the piano for hours. After being there for about an hour, this large group of women showed up (about 15 or more). I immediately thought, deployed wives on a night out together- how cool!!! About 10 minutes into their stay, one of the entertainers stops and says...."I'm even prouder to be an American tonight. And with that, I want this big group of women down in front to come up on stage. I have something special I want to do." The 15+ women proceeded to the stage and spread out all across it, some were already crying. The entertainer says, "You are looking at a group of military widows up here." He started to play "Proud to be an American"......everyone in that place was crying/standing and the women on stage....oh, those women.....I can't imagine what they have gone through. They were singing and crying on each other's shoulders. It was hard to watch actually.

What a humbling thing to witness real-life women who have lost their spouses from war. I could see that some were so broken and some looked like they had it all together. Turns out, their husbands were all killed in Afghanistan and.......most of them had tattooed wedding bands on their hands- which was all cool to see. I starred at them the rest of the night. We actually talked to some of them and found out that they were just so happy to be surrounded by such great girlfriends (fellow widows). But these women had each other and that was such an encouragement to see the women wrap their arms around each other.....understanding what each fellow widow was going through and still find it in them to enjoy life. It made me proud of those women and thankful to be there to witness that moment. Even still, they will never get the chance to date their spouse, go to dinner, spend one night with them, or even do anything. My girlfriends and I talked about it all night.....and I'm still so humbled today. God knew I needed to see that.

Not only am I learning patience, but I am learning the beauty of contentment. That moment reminded me of my need to be content that Elijah is alive and well......and that God's got him in His hands. After all, I get to talk to my husband often and see him on Skype. It's not woe is me, it's HUMBLED IS ME.

My new addictions...

Wow, I haven't posted in quite awhile! I wanted to give you all a little update on my new addictions.....and things that are keeping me busy/focused until my other half returns. I'm so antsy for E to be home again. It's been way too long!
The Love Dare (40 days)....I'm on day 6 and learning sooo much!
Rock Climbing...my girlfriend and I got certified so we could climb as a team without an instructor. We now climb at least twice a week along with 5 day cardio/weight-lifting workouts.
McDonald's Mocha Frappes....I have to really limit myself (one per week and with no whip), but they are soooo good!
Substitute Teaching....for a private school in downtown Savannah, all grades. School starts this week!
The Marriage Builder.....great book for those who have yet to read it....I'm almost done with it.
Cooking/Baking new recipes.....my girlfriends and I cook together a lot, which has been fun!

Upcoming Events:
Sept.16-19- Momma H is coming to Sav!!
Oct.7-10- Maggie and Morgan coming in for family vacation?

Oct.22-24- Grace and Matt coming in for a wedding?

Oct. 31-Nov. 3- My parents are taking me on their anniversary trip to Los Angeles!!
Dec.- Guess who comes home?!!?!?!
My calendar is still open.....:)