hmm

Every once in a while I hear the question,"What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?".

I tend to think something generic and hopeful like: just keep going, it'll be OK.

 Or maybe I consider advising against one choice or another,  but then I remember the good things that would never be without the hard and "horrible".

But last night and this morning, I've been thinking that I would recommend setting goals without expectations. Or maybe even just trust the Lord, buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Look always for the blessings and appreciate the ways life is good, even though it will not turn out the way you hope, imagine or expect. Always remember God is good, and His way is perfect, even if we don't like it or understand. 

The biggest lessons life has taught me is don't have expectations and be confident in nothing. Expectations bring disappointment. Confidence in outcomes brings heartache and frustration. The only constant is change, and the only certainty is unpredictability. 

My life is not what I wanted (or want), but it's still been good in so many ways.  Good because I can see God in every page of every chapter.