September is a month when I am counting my blessings!
North Central Idaho is beautiful this time of the year. The air is still warm as summer is coming to a close. I take my daily walks along the levy of the Clearwater River. The tree-lined path is a beautiful sight, with various birds and squirrels chattering at me as I walk by. There are also many ducks and geese in the area. Often they fly over the river or swim in the ponds nearby, quacking and honking as they fly overhead.
Crows occasionally caw at me, warning others that there is a human nearby. Despite the nature noises, I spend this time in solitude, admiring the natural world around me. And I realize how blessed I am.
September is a memorial month for me. It is the month of my birthday and wedding anniversary. It is also the anniversary of the fire that took our home
two years ago.
But this September is very different as I see how far I have come in just two short years. Yes, the fire was devastating as it burned nearly everything we owned. But it also allowed me to see the greatest gifts I could ever have: peace and tranquility.
It wasn’t always that way. I struggled, had doubts, and wondered if I could ever trust again. Thankfully, I pushed forward and found solace in my faith and oneness with Spirit.
After that fateful day two years ago, soul-searching made me who I am—a stronger and more driven person. I have created an incredible and more fulfilling life than I could ever imagine.
Rebuilding our home was a blessing and a stressful undertaking, but I made it through the turmoil to the other side. Interestingly, it took losing nearly everything I owned to understand that life is more than what I own. Especially since I never saw that at the time.
Spirit showed us blessings everywhere we turned. I was blessed to experience the love and support of those around me. I chose to give in to the love rather than wallow in the disappointment of what happened to me.
During this time, I found my place in the world. I now have work I love; I have new friends in several states who have blessed me in many ways. And I have discovered a deeper peace and contentment than I have ever experienced before.
Naturally, I have my days. Sometimes I lose sight of who I am as a child of God and where I am going. Then, in the mornings, I sit down and read my spiritual magazines or go for my walk, and I remember I am the child —in an adult woman’s body—of God.
Through all of this, I have learned to forgive myself, count my blessings, trust myself as one with God, and move forward with a little less fear and more boldness. Once again, the peace of God envelopes me, and all is good.
While enjoying nature this September, it is hard to believe it was the worst month of my life in 2020. But, coming back from the ashes of a devastating fire made me understand the depth of the love of God. What more could I possibly need?