Where in the world did the last ten years go? Fifteen years ago, I was a senior in high school. It was a blast. Not that I want to be done having fun, but I certainly had enough fun in high school to last a few lifetimes. Then, college flew by like an absolute whirlwind, and all of a sudden it is the end of 2019.

In the fall of 2009, I was a college senior completing my student teaching semester at Mobridge-Pollock High School. I was engaged to marry John and had moved to the North Country a few months earlier. Life was stressful but exciting. I was unsure of myself; I was not certain what the future would hold; I was desperately homesick. And then, November came.

Last week marked 10 years since I began my teaching job in Mobridge. Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, a middle school reading position needed to be filled ASAP! Although I was not finished with student teaching, I was placed in my own classroom. At that time, I was also coaching middle school volleyball. The first weekend in November, I took a team of girls to Watertown for a weekend-long tournament, and when I returned to school that Monday, I was no longer going to be simply learning how to be a teacher; I was going to be teaching my own classroom. Those first weeks and months were wild. I kept my head above water, and that was an accomplishment. But at that time, with graduation looming and only two months before the wedding, I had absolutely no clue what the next ten years would hold for me. And boy, was I in for a surprise.

In the last decade I have:

1. Graduated from SDSU with a B.A., graduated from NSU with a MS.Ed., and began work on an M. Div. (at least school has remained constant)
2. Gotten married and celebrated 9, soon to be 10, anniversaries
3. Moved into our own home and completed various updates to our dear home
4. Quit teaching after 8 years to begin seminary and share the Good News of Jesus Christ!
5. Had three children; my heart almost explodes because I love them so much. I always wanted a yard-full of kids, but I think three will have to do. I just don’t think this mama’s heart can take all of the emotions of having another sweet baby.
6. Said “Good-Bye” to all four of my grandparents

Who would have thought that ten years could hold so much?! At 23 years old, I would have never guessed that life would be this dang wonderful. It isn’t always easy; as a matter of fact, it isn’t ever easy. But this life is so good.

My prayer is this:
Almighty God, with a grateful heart, I give you thanks for this life. Thank you for letting us live into your creation. It isn’t easy, but you didn’t promise it would be. I ask for your forgiveness when my sights rest on the earthly gifts around me instead of on your saving Word. Christ says, “But not a hair on your head will perish.” Although this old world will have the best of us in the end, You have saved the best for us in the age to come; send your Holy Spirit to remind me of this always. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace and Blessings,
The Displaced City Girl