I am amazed to realize that every experience of my life has been intertwined with earlier events.

     When Sam and I were newlyweds, I began to know my in-laws.  I would walk for exercise with Sam's dad.  He was a high school teacher before he retired.  He told me, "You should keep a journal.  Write down all the events of your life." 

I took his words to heart.  Now, I have a wonderful collection of memories from the time we were young and in love to now, when we are old and fat and still in love.  Through my journaling, I also wove some of the episodes into a book that has recently been published.  If only my father-in-law were here to read it!  I would never have composed the material had it not been for his encouragement.  I can't even remember what prompted him to speak to me about writing.

  I think of other wonderful ways that God wove events and people into my life.  I am beginning to see the pattern, the meaning in so many humble happenings. Especially in the raising of our children, we were shielded and guided down each path.  

     For several years, we homeschooled our children.  Our oldest homeschooled from 8th grade through graduation, and our youngest from 1st to 9th grade.  It was a fulfilling and rich experience.  When it was over, I missed it.  An opportunity opened up for me to work  in Alief ISD as a teacher's aide.  The teachers began to say, "Why don't you go after your degree?  You really should be teaching."

     My job was to keep the Content Mastery room open.  Some days, I was very busy.  On slow days, I learned how to use the internet.  I designed web pages and wrote many articles just for fun.  And the idea dawned on me that I really could be taking classes by internet and preparing to teach.
      Now, I am 46 and about to get my bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.  What a thrill!  There are numerous other life episodes that have God's signature scrawled across them.  I see the lovely patterns, and am confident that the Providence that designed atoms and galaxies also has a personal design for each of us.  I can't wait to discover what new gift tomorrow will bring.