It’s been three years since I surrendered my marriage to God in the middle of the labyrinth by the shore. Standing there, I recalled a story I heard when I was young. It was about footprints in the sand. The author looked back on his life and noticed that there was only one set of footprints when he was going through his most difficult times. In the story, God tells him that at those times, God carried him through his troubles. I knew I couldn’t walk the path I was facing on my own, so before I retraced my steps out of the labyrinth that day, I implored God to pick me up and carry me. And God did.
It has not been an easy road, but God has been with me every step of the way—guiding me and bringing me unparalleled peace. For a number of months following the end of my marriage, I prayed the same prayer each morning before getting out of bed. This prayer reminded me of God’s love and gave me the strength to face each new day. My simple prayer was this:
Dear God,
Wash over me this day that I might be constantly reminded of your presence and grace. May I face each moment with the confidence that you are with me now and always will be. Let my every interaction be a reflection of the love you have for me as a child of God.
Amen.
Aside from the overwhelming peace God blanketed over me when I surrendered the future of my marriage, I was also comforted by the unwavering belief that God has a plan for me. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). I have held tightly to this promise. I know God loves me and can see far beyond what I can. I trust that God has a plan for my future, and it is good!
The last three years have been full of personal growth and new adventures. I adopted the personal word bloom. To me it signifies a beginning rather than an ending. Instead of viewing my new single status as a loss, I choose to see it as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to bloom. This has taken a number of different forms. I have done more writing, photography, and crocheting, and I have taken up pickleball and started traveling. I am enjoying the freedom to explore this amazing world God created. I thank God every day for carrying me through the most difficult time in my life and setting me down gently to grow into my future. I have no doubt it will be filled with joy and struggles, and God will be there with me every single step of the way.
May you find the strength to surrender whatever is weighing you down. Give it to God and experience the peace that passes all understanding.
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