Note the looks on their faces. Somewhere between, “This is Stupid” and “I hate you for moving us.”
Emotions run wild.
On the first day of school. Wherever you are. Whoever you are.
Check out the rooftops below. The newness. The growth. The sun. So much is different and yet all is the same.
I wish I could take that same picture every day. Day two was filled with smiles and a little less, “I hate you.”
I wish I could show the progression. The houses being finished. The becoming. The growth. Courage. Strength. Success.
I wish heart growth wasn’t invisible. I wish my kids could wear courage like a badge of honor around their neck. I wish they could receive recognition for being brave and learning new things and “doing it afraid”. I wish the pictures could catalog the strengthening of their resolve and the opening of their hearts and the banishing of fear.
They (and we) live in a world of Facebook and instagram and Twitter posts that look like perfection but feel like lies. No bravery or vulnerability in sight.
I considered posting the cuter picture, the one where they were smiling. I considered trying to wrap this up in a bow, falling into old patterns, achieving, performing. But God is doing a new thing here in Texas. And in my heart. He has assured me I have a bigger, better, braver story to tell.
The real one.
No, we can’t wrap this up in a bow with a pretty picture. Not yet. Maybe not ever. Because a picture can’t do this journey justice. A picture won’t show how we are becoming who God designed us to be. A picture will never show our trust and our surrender. It can’t convey how those things make us stronger. It can’t capture the transformation of our hearts.
No, we can’t see what matters in a picture. So we tell our story.
He is trusting us to be brave and to tell the story well.
©2014 Sue Bidstrup, Great Big Yes™ All Rights Reserved
This was wonderful! So many changes recently for me too–no cute pictures, just dirty faces!! I forwarded this to Patrick–hope he reads it! I am proud of him and his new adventure in HoosierLand!!! Lord grant us all COURAGE–ROAR…
Sue,
This is a beautiful post. As always, you are so inspirational.
I am so sorry I did not get to say goodbye but feel fortunate that I can stay connected to you through your blog. I know you and your family will find peace and happiness wherever you are!
My best wishes,
xo,
Kim
Sue, I think you are doing a great job, because what I learned was that if YOU are connected, open, willing, then they will be connected, open and willing. They are watching you. You sound strong and excited and you want to be there and take this journey. You are a wonderful living example.
Best to you always – Cathy
Sue,
Thanks once again for helping me navigate some choppy waters. Steve (newly arrived at college) is also experiencing quite a bit of what your kids are going through. I’ve been praying that God helps me know the right things to say to him, and once again he answers my prayer through you. He also is showing me that even though you are in Austin, our friendship will remain strong and your wise wisdom will continue to inspire and transform me-even hundreds if miles away! Love and miss you!
Sue- Congrats, good luck and lots of prayers for all your new adventures. So many changes so quickly. Maybe that is good, you didn’t have too much time to contemplate it. Trying my first Holy Yoga tomorrow at Brenda’s new studio. Can’t wait to finally try it! I’ll be thinking of you. I would love to talk to you about all your changes but I know how much you have going on. For now you will be in my prayers! xoxo
Sue, I love your honesty and willingness to be REAL for all of us/in front of all of us and not just your friends, but all of blogland!! You are SOOOO inspiring!! I can’t imagine what it’s like to move your family across the country in 3-1/2 weeks right before school starts – and when the kids are at the ages when school and making friends and feeling normal is soooo difficult. But as you said, God knows. I miss you my friend!! Hang in there. You got this and with your inspiration and words you are encouraging us all!! You have such a gift. Thanks for sharing it!! xoxo