Through The Maze: Stuffed with gratitude

Still running for the cheese (or why this blog still exists)

As my regular readers can tell, this has been a dry year for me. Just look at the number of posts this year vs. 2008! Awhile back, I had considered either shutting down the Maze, or starting a new blog that would more accurately reflect where I am in life now. Truth be told, sometimes I come here, look around, and feel distinctly hypocrytical about the things I want to write. I'm sure I'm not the only one to ever be in that kind of place.
As the time in between posts has grown longer, I came to realize something. Without the past years' material, where I am now makes very little sense. What good is the destination without the journey? As Christians, so much of the best stuff that happens to us is in the times God is molding us to His image. To throw away the evidence of that process would somehow cheapen the result, I think.
So, here we are, dear friends. I think my little mousie may just have rounded a corner finally. Some things will change around here to reflect the changes in my heart. And you know what? That's ok. As much as I typically rage against anything changed in my life, I'm learning to accept the God-given ones. My prayer is that some of you may be encouraged by what you read here. Hey, you may even be challenged. And of course, if you know me, then you know you always stand a good chance of being offended too. Not intentionally, to be sure! Just know that what you find as you wander this Maze with me may surprise you as much as it does me.

All that to say this:

Welcome to

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Stuffed with gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear Squeakers!
Today, I have much to be grateful for. God has blessed us here tremendously in this last year.
Speaking of which, doesn't it seem like 2008 just flew by? Crazy, huh? It really floors me to think that 9 years ago, Mr. P. was hoping I'd show up at the Turkey Bowl. Or 8 years ago, we were expecting Monkeyman and preparing for Mr. P.'s knee surgery. Or 7 years ago, it was MonkeyMan's very first holiday season. Then again, 6 years ago, it was our first Thanksgiving as husband and wife, and Tank was on the way. Hmmm. So 5 years ago, it was Tank's first Thanksgiving and man, that was a hard year.
Then 4 years ago, we didn't even bother. The kids were in foster care, and we were all alone. That year sucked.
3 years ago, things started getting better. The boys were back home for the holidays.
But then, things got worse. 2 years ago, we were going through the divorce and hated each other so much.
Finally, last year, God started working real miracles for us.
Last year, we started to really fall in love again. What a year!
And now this year? Well, we have so much to be grateful for.

I hope all of you can look back and see many things that bring a smile to your face today. I pray that you are all enjoying the holiday, and making many new memories.
After 9 years with Mr. P., there's one thing that's sticking with me today. I'm quite stuffed with gratitude for all the things we've survived, and all that we'll face in the future.

Til next squeak,