***A few days ago, I asked my mom if she would be willing to write a guest blog for me. I asked her to share her feelings on me leaving and how she commonly answers questions she gets. So here is what she wrote, and I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Saying, “See you later.”
-Mom
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Proverbs 4:23
My daughter would tell you my memory is not the best. I have bits and pieces I remember throughout the different paths I walk on any given day. I like to think this is God’s way of telling me what is worth remembering. That being said, I did not remember the verse above, it’s from one of my “Bible apps,” the one with the beautiful pictures for backgrounds. I am pretty sure my grandmother Elaine, Apple Grandma to Paige, would be rolling over in her grave right now knowing I didn’t find the verse while reading the Bible (which I also do).
What do my grandma, pretty pictures, and verses have to do with Paige going on the World Race, well I’ll tell you. I spent most of my younger years growing up with my mother and my grandparents, then skip to college and I was at UNI and in church with my grandparents almost every Sunday. One of my most treasured keepsakes my grandma gave me was her Disciples book; her handwriting is one of my most treasured keepsakes. She poured over and lived God’s word throughout her whole life. I often tell people Paige takes notes like her great grandmother when sitting in church listening to the message….something which I still aspire to one day achieve.
Pretty pictures, well I’m visual and pictures often flood my memory more than words. The one above is of Paige at Christmas with Baylee, one of our 10 dogs we’ve had in her 18 years of life. Her smile and the calm of Baylee’s demeanor, even though she was a Neapolitan Mastiff who weighed 155lb and was as gentle as any giant, make me think of the joys she yet has to experience on the race. Along the way some of those experiences may not feel like joys at the given moment, more like struggles or new challenges, but that’s where the word on the frame comes in. BELIEVE, I do-well we all do when it comes to Paige’s family, this is what she was meant to do these next 9 months.
Verses, they are what I turn to in any moment of my life. Life, as we all know, sometimes leave us felling like we’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Any parents who are reading this, or racers themselves know what I mean. I’d say it’s strange, but I know it’s God, I have a complete sense of calm when I talk about Paige going on the race. I know there will be times at launch or throughout the 9 months where the calm may not be there, but that’s where verses comes back into play. Even though I look new verses up to find strength or hope or courage (all of these and more are some of the categories listed on the app I use) I know God’s word will carry myself and Paige through this amazing adventure through any emotion or experience she has along her path.
I am proud (well WE-all of Paige’s family and friends) of her choice to follow God’s path which has long been laid out for her by Him. Any doubts she may have are only God’s little nudges to continue to guard her heart as it is filled with His love and He is the one who knows her plans, for He has laid them on her heart!
All my love Ree-Ree! I will, we will, miss you…but we’ll see you later.
