By this point in life, I am sure we have all experienced some really great chapters in life, maybe some chapters we wish we could go back and rewrite, and maybe some chapters we could forget because the pain or the trauma still lingers with us in a new chapter.
Just like in every good book, each chapter has a beginning and an end and each chapter is a different length. Some chapters are short and others are long, detailed, and drawn out. Other chapter are brief with abrupt ends. The next chapter might begin in a different spot with little closure or explanation to the ending of the chapter before. Sometimes it might feel like different chapters are being written simultaneously, twisted together with highs and lows.
I've been thinking about chapters a lot lately, as I am finally back to working on my blog. As I sat and looked over the work I did on my blog previously, I noticed one of my last pieces was a piece called Meet Drogo. I remember writing and being so excited about my job and the opportunity I had to start Drogo, a 3 year old Arabian. I have since left my position at Reigning Grace Ranch, and started out on my own, along side Brandon, my fiancé, with Hershey Performance Horses, a bitter sweet transition of chapters. Brandon and I are so excited about this new opportunity and to start with Cowboy and Puddin'. Two horses that fell into our laps the same day we bought a trailer.
While we weren't expecting this abrupt change in chapters, we've since realized that God's hand of blessing has been on us all along. The busier I became at Reigning Grace Ranch, the further I got from writing. My blog suddenly went to the back burner, thought of often, but worked on never. Since starting Hershey Performance Horses, I am learning a "new normal" as our culture likes to name things now. Part of this shift is allowing me the time I need to focus on my blog, my dreams, and how I can best serve Brandon as we plan our wedding and start our life together!
The extra time lately has left me with a lot of thoughts. The biggest idea that keeps popping in my head is L E G A C Y. What does it mean to leave a legacy? Is a legacy important? What will people say about me when I'm gone? What kind of legacy do I want to leave?
While I have always had aspirations for being a rancher's wife, The Pioneer Womanesque cook, homesteader extraordinaire, homeschool momma, famous horse trainer (yeah I know, it's a lot to accomplish), I've begun to realize that the size of your platform isn't nearly as important as the legacy you leave behind. A big platform can allow you to reach more people, but what if those relationships closest to you are the ones suffering the most?
My legacy: The first thing I want people to remember about me is my faith. That I loved well, I was kind, generous, patient, peaceful, good, gentle, joyful, and full of faith. The second thing I want people to remember is that I served others. I want to be the kind of person that remembers birthdays and send cards just because. I want to welcome people into my home and serve them meals full of good food, laughter, and love. The third part of my legacy I care about is that I was passionate about life and pursuing my dreams. Those of you that have been around this page long or know me personally, know this part I have done well, but I want to continue to do this well.
So my point, you ask? The point is that my legacy isn't wrapped up in a certain job or location, rather it is focused on a heart posture. A heart posture pointed towards the Lord where I run after those dreams he has given me and sit patiently and quietly when waiting for doors to open or clarity to come. Remembering this allows me to trust God whole heartedly when chapters end unexpectedly and without closure. Remembering this allows me to look ahead, trust God for the right opportunities and to take the next right steps
I don't know what chapter you're in right now, my friend, whether it's one you'd never like to end (I hear ya! I am still reveling in the weekend of my official engagement and starting Hershey Performance Horses!) or maybe its a chapter you wish you could erase and start again. Wherever you are, place your trust and your hope in Jesus, He is the one walking along you each step of the way.
Don't forget, you are co-writing your story with God, a beautiful story He wants to be full of blessings and joy. You have a L E G A C Y to leave. What will your story be?
xo,
Sara
Comments