Pura Vida!

Pura Vida! Our trip to Costa Rica was fun and inspirational as well. Our tour director, Rolando, told us that Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos, and they have a saying, which I heard many time while we were there....Pura Vida....it means pure life. It's the Ticos way of saying, don't worry, be happy. They are laid back, and enjoy life...some a lot more than others ;) After I got home, I got a message from an old friend who was struggling with the decision to continue living. I spent some time talking with this person and I have thought about it so much. 20 years ago, I was in that same place. The darkest, deepest hole a human can find themselves. It's when all hope is gone. Until you don't have hope, you don't realize how hope is life. There is a song that says "everything rides on hope" and it is so true. Why am I putting these two things together? Because God did it. I came home on a high, and was quickly reminded that life is fragile, a gift given to us...it's a choice we make everyday how we live it...or even if we do live it. 20 years ago, I had decided that I was too much of a failure to continue, and needed to get out of the way so G and the girls could have a healthy life. Of course, that was a lie. Since then I have experienced moment after moment of "Pura Vida"! Jesus saved me! You have seen the signs "Jesus Saves". You may have rolled your eyes, or laughed, or just ignored it. Well, I am living proof that He does! He gave me pure life and continues to do that daily. If you are tired, and wanting to give up...wait. I promise you, there are people that you have not met ...that you need to. There are people that have not met you....that need to. There are beautiful moments that you have not experienced...that you need to. There are ugly moments that you have not experienced... that you need to. I watched my daughters grow up, graduate high school, college, get married. I met the 3 wonderful sons that I prayed for all those years. Brandon, Kyle and Barrett. I met my first granddaughters, Mariah and KK. I listened outside the door as our Jolee Rhea let out her first cry. I watched our Ember Joy make her way into the world. I anticipate the birth of our Charlotte Haven. The moments with Gerald are so many that I can't possibly write them all down. I was a Youth Director for 7 years, impacting many teenagers lives (hopefully for the better...giggle) There are moments when it hits me with wonder and awe....that if I had given up, I would have missed this. I thank God all the time, all the time. It was not easy making my way out of that deep hole, but with the hope that Jesus gave me, faith that who He says He is, really is who He is and love that He surrounded me with...I made it. You can too! Life is a choice... PURA VIDA!! Everyday!