In seven days I get to see my parents! I cannot wait to see my mom and dad! The four greatest gifts in my life are my mom and dad, and my siblings- Keaton and Savanna. So, for this blog I want to honor them- the ones who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
Over the years as I have transitioned from the kid who chases butterflies to the person who now chases her dreams, I have been so blessed with an incredible family. I love family, maybe that is because of all the love that was always in my home. My parents gave us a truly great childhood, and I hope one day I can be at least half the parent that you two are for me. When I think back to my childhood I remember my parents always being around, going to the park, the beach, watching movies, going for picnics, playing games, turning our home into a war zone for sock wars, and always having these two-incredible people supporting me.
I want to tell you a little bit about them- I am the product of an artist; she is the red that awakens the fire in your soul. My mother welcomes change with an open heart; whether it is from moving the furniture in the middle of the night while her family is asleep, or in how she can always bring love and joy into any new situation. My mother’s aspirations are to see life beautifully and to love her family, through this lens was how my childhood played an avid role in how I would hope for my future. My father is the blue amidst her life of red. I am the child of a minister— my father is a dedicated and compassionate man. He loves people so much and genuinely cares for others, I have never seen this in another person like I see it in him.
My mom has taught me that things are fun. Eating pancakes for dinner is fun. Letting go of everything stressful to have a dance party is fun. Having a movie day when it’s raining is fun. Life was not meant to be so serious. She has tried to teach me how to dance. She has taught me life is colorful and exciting, feelings are so simple, and meant to just be felt. Through her I have learned how to love passionately and how to dream. Her laugh is so contagious. She has also taught me how to pray and to seek the Lord first. She always points me back to truth and keeps me accountable in my walk with the Lord.
My dad has taught me a lot of corny jokes, he thinks he is hilarious (sometimes he is). He is a peaceful river and strong fortress all in one. My dad is extremely meek and kind. He has taught me about good music, Jesus, and good conversation. We listen to Modern English, U2, Earth Wind and Fire, and ELO together. My dad and I can sit for hours tossing around ideas about life. He is a safe place to fall apart and admit you’ve been defeated to. He also makes a mean stir fry, but not so much French toast. My dad has taught me that you always come second to your brothers and sisters, his life is a testimony to what it means to put yourself last in the humblest way. My dad is one of the strongest people I know, and this shines through his ability to put himself aside and always, always choose other people. He has taught me there is no dream bigger or no earthly desire that will fulfill your life as much as it will to follow God, and to pursue your relationship with the Lord before all things.
Together my parents are my number one fan, they have always been there for me. I cannot thank them enough for loving me so much. I am an extremely ambitious person, and with every dream, every single one, they follow me and push me to pursue it. They pushed me to be the best that I can by putting my heart into my dreams. They have always been there for my successes and my downfalls. They were always at my soccer and tennis matches, my swim and cross country meets, for prom pictures and graduations. They always made my dreams possible- like going to a hot air balloon festival or taking me to tour Georgetown (& everything in between). The best thing about my parents is that even though they love me this much, they first trust the Lord with me and His plan. Whatever that may be. I say that because a few days before I left America, after I had said goodbye to them, my route changed. The list of countries my parents has come to terms with was now a completely different list, with completely different people. I called them to tell them the news, and they said “well, the Lord has total control and wants you to Himself, you’re in His hands”. I admire my parents so much for their trust in the Lord, they were willing to let me go because it was the Lord’s plan. Their faith inspired me to look at the change in a much more positive way and to embrace the new plan, without freaking out (haha).
I want to share some of my favorite memories with them through photos:
(Kindergarten graduation)
(cross country meet)
(last soccer game)
(Family photo)
(leaving for the Race)
(Leaving for the Race)
As hard as it was to leave you guys six months ago, it will be just as sweet to see you in a few days! I love you, and thank you for always trusting and seeking the Lord first!
Maggie
