This week we celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary – so many years to look back on – experiences to remember – and challenges that we have overcome – but as someone once said – “Challenges are what make life interesting – and overcoming them – is what makes life meaningful”

I don’t think that I would have even considered that – all those years ago – I guess I was quite innocent – not really having been faced with too many challenges – and simply eager to embark on married life.

But of course – as the years went by – the challenges presented themselves – and I have to say that some of them were hard – packed with struggles – but of course – that is life – as this quote says “Life may be full of challenges – packed with struggles – that’s life – but never give up – it takes a problem to know a solution – sadness to find happiness – and it is when you fail that you learn the way to success”.

How very true that is – and how many lessons challenge can teach us.

A further quote puts it like this – “Life is about accepting challenges along the way – choosing to keep moving forward – and savouring the journey” – and that has been so important for me – not allowing challenges to stop my journey – not dwelling on the hardship – the struggle – but moving forward – recognising that my journey is far from over – and savouring all I can from the moment I find myself in.

As we celebrated our anniversary this week – I was so blessed by all the lovely messages – from so many people. Those that have entered my life over the years – playing their part – being there for me – helping me navigate the challenges that I faced.

I so agree with this – “Friendship is not about who you have known the longest – it’s about who walked into your life – said ‘I’m here for you’ – and proved it” – and for me – there is One – above all others – who has always proved this – promising to be there for me – and proving it.

And so this week has brought home to me yet again just how beautiful life is – in spite of any challenges I may face – “Life is like an ocean – it can be calm or still – and rough or rigid – but in the end – it is always beautiful”.

Like everyone else – I don’t know what life still holds for me – for it remains – as it always has been – uncertain – and in all likelihood – more challenges will come my way – but as before – they will simply serve to make me life richer – and my heart grateful.

Blessings – Lois