"Next..."
- Brandi
- Mar 13, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 29, 2021
Noun: the next person or thing.
Adjective: (of a time or season) coming immediately after the time of writing or speaking.
Adverb: on the first or soonest occasion after the present; immediately afterwards.
When I was in horticulture class, there was absolute pleasure being taught by the beautiful soul, Mrs. Donna Papatheodoropolus. One of our many lifechanging heart to hearts she noted one of her favorite quotes was, "Next..." That stuck with my teenage mind thinking, "YES! BRILLIANT! Why not?! Life is grand and there is so much to look forward to." This woman helped me on so many levels and guided my young impressionable mind in all the right ways - from what I wanted to be when I grew up. Not to mention she cultivated my human nature by encouraging me to be a leader, teacher and good person (always a work in progress mind you). She gifted me not only those things but this book "Fearless Girls, Wise Women & Beloved Sisters" by Kathleen Ragan. This book helped me stand strong in times of "life". Then in my graduation card she wrote, "Now you choose the path".
The gift of overcoming the tough stuff with these words of wisdom have been invaluable. To her I want to say, thank you for your wisdom, compassion and understanding when I was truly a teen at times. That connection as we've crossed paths over the years hasn't changed and the bond we share will always be there in our hearts and minds.
I pray that we all look up from our technologies long enough to meet these earthly angels in our journey to where we are meant to be.
Why this is so significant? Those words of wisdom are gliding through my mind on a regular basis. Mainly because, March 19th marks a big day. The finalization of our short but educational marriage. We part on good terms, heavy hearts and caring souls for one another. Our full focus is on our little person who looks to us for guidance and grace (and love of course, but those are a package deal). It's God's grace that allows us to realize this in these dark and heavy times. Light wins, always. We must hang on tight during the scary dark turns long enough to see the firefly light grow into a brilliant spotlight of goodness.
Below are just words...but have power if you allow them too. Therefore, I believe books, music, art, expression is a vital resource. You choose your path when it's time to move onto the next chapter life has coming your way.
Final, End, Ground Zero, End of the line... those are some of the negatives we could camp on, but we should refuse too.
Alternatively, let's launch over here: Fresh start, Begin again, Love again, Stand tall, Through all things...etc.
Let's move forward being fearless, wise and beloved.
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31: 29 - 31
Books:
Songs:
Photo: Grandma and Grandpa Johnson (1950's)
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