Once again, OolaPalooza is here. I didn't think I'd be going but a random act of kindness has allowed me the opportunity. Due to my financial situation this year, I was unable to afford the ticket. And so, I decided that God had probably decided that someone needed to go more than myself. As life should have it, I received an e-mail the other day stating that someone had an extra ticket and did I want it? Did I? That would be a resounding "YES!"
As I think about the two days of setting goals for the next year, I am overwhelmed with excitement. I've had some setbacks this year...some goals I hit this year, others I didn't. For instance, the 25 pounds I lost last year, I gained back -- the result of heavy-duty emotional eating. Why? Because of my finance... I spent nearly two years in bankruptcy -- something I don't recommend unless you absolutely must-- and was finally granted a Chapter 7. What that means is that the only debt I have remaining are my student loans and car. Although it sounds horrific, and in many aspects it is, it means I can move forward with my life. The fallout of my divorce is finally over and now it is entirely up to me to become whole again. I am so grateful for that opportunity!
My faith has developed to a whole new level. I am now facilitating a Bible study, rather than just sitting in one. As a result, I am reading the Old Testament; no small task. My field goals are taking on a clearer picture of what I need to be doing; how I foresee getting out of student loan debt and moving beyond. What will retirement look like for me? Before my bankruptcy, I had no hope of retirement. Now, I can actually envision it. That is huge -- especially when starting over at the age of 53.
Friends and fun have gone beyond what I imagined. One friend of mine actually asked, "What happened to the 'old Lisa'?" She never knew me other than as a quiet, introverted person. I wasn't introverted...I was just sad. Now I have a happiness I never knew could exist. I live each day fully, knowing that it could be my last.
I recognize life is a journey, and I have met some amazing individuals along the way. Many I've met at this annual gathering; a place where we look at what we want from life and how we will get there. There is laughter, tears and a lot of hugging. We relish the time together because like a rope, it is stronger with each of the ties that bind us.
And so, I thank the kind stranger who said, "Give this ticket to someone who can use it." I thank the people at Oola for recognizing that I need this gathering; maybe even more than they know. I thank God for giving me the strength to persevere and for putting people in my path who helped light the way. I thank YOU for being a part of my journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment