Perfect Peace

From Christmas Eve until New Year’s Eve, I spent the week in sunny Mexico on the beaches of the Riveria Mayan (between Cancun and Playa del Carmen). It was a beautiful week of sunshine, lazy days and good food. The beautiful blonde was my travel companion. She is a lot of fun and seems to understand my need for “alone” time. I learned a lot about her during the trip. I learned a lot about myself, too.

For the first time in a long time, I was completely at peace. I’m not sure if it has to do with finally forgiving the ex, the sunshine and much needed relaxation (i.e. away from work), the book I was reading or a combination of all three. I’m pretty sure it was the combination.

The book is about 3 girls in their late 20’s who decide to put their lives on a one year hiatus and travel around the world. They started in South America, then Africa, then South East Asia. I have been to several of the places they’ve visited, done some of the things they’ve done and desire to replicate some of their adventures (i.e. hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu). I could really identify with the authors and their travels. While reading about it, I realized that without the break up with the ex, I would have never been able to see and do some of the things I have. He would have never let me go to Kenya and experience a wedding, the capital city, a safari and time at the beach. My mission trips to the Dominican Republic would have never been on the radar screen. The last two trips to China would most likely have been cut short and The Wall would have went unseen. My love for photography would have lain dormant. I’m sure of all of this. I have truly begun to understand the statement “from the ashes He will create beauty.”  Something the Christian Counselor told me years ago. Something that I’ve been waiting to experience and finally have.

I realized that I have travel companions. I no longer need to find someone willing to adventure outside the country with me. I can call several different people whenever the wanderlust strikes. I have a beautiful daughter, a cute albeit annoying dog that isn’t mine, friends I can rely on and (finally found one) a handyman I can trust. I am perfectly content with this wonderful beautiful life that God has blessed me with. The life that He created when I thought none would come. A life that is not centered around a man and his desires but around my heart, my soul and all those that are dear to it. I am at perfect peace with my world!