The Beauty in Returning Back | Ohio
The Beauty in Returning Back
Faith | Family | Hope | Love
Personal Antidote
Can we take a moment to disregard society's imposed expectation that we need to be fully independent and have everything figured out on our own efforts in order to be successful or happy or whole or even worthy of love?
I've recently moved back to Ohio after spending the past several years moving around after college- experiencing new places, gaining experience and independence; growing and challenging myself personally, mentally, emotionally and physically; chasing adventure, direction, and something more for myself; sure, praying along the way that I was taking the "right" steps, but ultimately relying on my own strength. I believed happiness and joy would be found in being in a particular place or having a specific status or even making myself a certain type of "interesting" and "experienced" person. And let me be honest, moving to Ohio- the midwest, aka cornfield capital of the US as far as I'm concerned, is certainly not where I wanted to end up if it were all up to me.
At the end of the day, though, it is the relationship and trust we have in your Heavenly Father and the people we are with that make life so meaningful and even manageable at times. What I find incredibly moving, is the unbounding grace and love found when you return back to where you are ultimately meant to be- whether that's with a God you believe in, family, and even in certain relationships. This grace isn't just something you think you feel or "make up" as psychology might try to convince you is a coping mechanism for returning back to what you're comfortable with- nor is it something you have to earn. It's specifically laid out as an example in the Bible with the parable of the Prodigal Son- no matter how far away we wonder away, when we ultimately return home to where and who we are meant to be with, there is great celebration!
This somewhat overwhelms me at times; particularly when I feel guilty for admittedly sidelining people, family and even God from being thoroughly present and a priority in my life (vs. myself)...especially God.
We are not meant to do life on our own. Fear isn't supposed to be something that we battle on our own. Our lives aren't even something we can manage on our own. I've struggled and resisted to return back myself. But, whether it's a season, a change, a move... no matter how hurt or broken, alone or maybe even successful, at the end of the day, I somehow tend to find myself drawn back to the loving arms of my Heavenly Father and my family. And if I may say, even if I really don’t necessarily “deserve it”, that is where I have felt the most peace, love, trust, encouragement, growth and grace- even if it is in the middle of cornfields. It's truly okay and at times beautiful to follow the tug of your heart. There is no shame, but quite actually beauty, when it comes to humbly returning back. Because chances are, the one’s that are meant to be in your life will be patiently awaiting you with open arms, grace and love- through the example Jesus lays out for us.
I hope you know how much I appreciate you for taking the time to consider to my ramblings. I pray my perspectives and reflections on my experiences help you gain a new viewpoint yourself.
With love,
Brittany