Where did the time go?

This weekend is my 10 year college reunion.

Huh?

When did that happen?

Unfortunately, it just didn't work out for me to take a trip back to Cali this weekend. I kind of wanted to go. But, I kind of didn't want to go. It would have been a fun trip to visit some great friends. But, most of them graduated the year before me so they wouldn't be at the reunion. There will always be a place in my heart for APU but I haven't stayed overly connected. 

Anyway, the whole 10 year reunion thing got me thinking. 10 years ago, I never would have dreamed my life would be what it is now. I've never been one who knows what they want to do long term and works towards that goal and reaches that goal no matter what. I barely make plans two weeks ahead of time. When I was in College I had no idea what in the world I wanted to do with my life. I'm just thankful that I figured out my original Communications major was a joke and switched to Business. At least that gave me some useful skills. I've landed in a career that I like but 10 years ago I barely knew that fundraising was a career. I just wanted a job with benefits and I went from there. 

I've always loved Chicago but I don't think I would have guessed I'd be living here and thinking I would be here for a long time still. I figured I would be in So Cal for the rest of my life. I never in a million years would have told you that I'd be leading a major capital campaign at my church. 

I didn't have a lot of dreams for my life but I'll admit it's not everything that I thought it would be. I never would have thought I'd still be single at this point. I was sure that God would change that situation long before now. 

God is good though. He's lead me on these journeys and while they haven't been easy all the time, they have lead to a life that I like. I have a wonderful family. I have fabulous friends all over the world. I have a job that allows me to live in a lovely little apartment in a city that I love.

It's good to have dreams for your life but sometimes it's great just seeing what God has in store.

This week

I have been grateful for...

• The wonderful, Godly women that God has put in my life - to walk life with me, to be examples for me, to encourage me, to laugh with me. 
• The loving family that God brought me into. The opportunity to live close to them and to spend time with them. 
• Fall (again) - the colors of the leaves on the trees, the chance to see the vibrant colors in the wide open spaces and to be reminded that God pays attention to the details. 
• Fall nights in Chicago - sitting outside with a great friend enjoying good conversation, food and drinks in the cool clean air of the evening. 
• A job - I may not love it most days, but it is in a field where I want to be, it pays the bills, and it has given me great opportunities.
• Family Dinner Night (FDN) - for my family here in Chicago and the chance to see them almost every week. For the great friends that I have made there and the chance to show off some baking skillz.