We loved Ketchikan. Andrew had never been so happy with work and the financial strain had been anticipated. Life there wasn't perfect, but the trials were forgettable at most and it was restful.
Then we moved to Craig.
Andrew loves his job even more, his income is better, our home is nicer, his schedule is better, the area is even more beautiful, we already feel like we have more friends and are having an easier time integrating ourselves into the life here.
Lately my days seem bursting with joy. I've even come to enjoy and appreciate the early nightfall. When I first moved to Ketchikan someone who had lived there pretty much her whole life commented that she loved winter because she felt like it was a time when her family was just snuggled up in a cozy blanket of peace. This year I get that. (I think having Andrew home an hour earlier helps the evenings feel like peaceful family time instead of like time of me just trying to keep sanity with three kids on my own...) The darkness falls, scented candles are lit, Christmas music plays... It's all very picturesque.
Life seems good. My marriage is good, my husband has good employment that he enjoys and that makes decent money, My children are happy and are finding interests, activities and friends that they enjoy. I have peaceful time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the peace of life which is often interrupted by my little miracle baby who brings me so much joy.
I've been listening to Christmas music and can't help but feel blessed. Then, on occasion, a song will come on that reminds me that things are this easy for everyone - that things haven't always been this easy for me. And I am certain that there will be years in the future, just as there have been years in the past, where life will seem more difficult.
But for now, I am relishing in what is promising to be the best holiday season ever. Life has had challenges. There have been difficult years. But right now I am filled with joy and peace. I am at rest.