A Sunset

...and the shadow of the day

will embrace the world in gray.

And the sun will set for you.

The sun will set for you.

I used to think this song was sad or hopeless. Who wants a day to end? And why gray? I love sunsets, they're so gorgeous and inspiring. I remember making the drive from California when Matthew and I were living across the country from one another. I made an impromptu trip to California to see our wonderful Garner Grandparents and Auntie Suzy. At the time, I was working two jobs, attempting to function on 2-3 hours of sleep per day. I was living life as a single mom, luckily blessed with help while working from my mom and sister.

It was a very short trip. Just 2 days, and that included driving time. I was a very emotionally and physically tired woman. I had a few cds for the drive and this one, by Linkin Park was playing. These lyrics just flowed from the speakers and enveloped me. I was singing the lyrics as always, but then it hit me. I burst into tears. I thought gray was dull and cold... but now after I sang the lyrics this time, I screamed inside, "When will the sun set on this day? When will I have my happy ending?" I've had enough of the turmoil and endless asking of the world. Asking too much of me. I wanted to be embraced in gray, to disappear so no one would bother me. I wanted rest.

Luckily, the sun did set on that day. Matthew and I were reunited and the sun had risen on a new day. Now, especially this semester, I feel like I am stuck in another very LONG day. I really feel like I've been stretched to the limit. But here we are. It seems God jumps in just when you're about to break. Matthew and I are both extremely grateful for our jobs at Nu Skin. But especially Matthew has been struggling with getting full satisfaction out of it... he's not using his degree, he took a paycut when they moved him from night to day shift and lately his co-workers have been everything but helpful.

Our very good friends, Spencer and Ashley have been keeping their eyes and ears open for opportunities for Matthew to move on to better things. Here we are on the eve of a different adventure. Matthew's going to learn something completely new, it's going to be hard - but it's a challenge! We've prayed about it and thought long and hard about the roads it could take our family, good and bad. I won't give details, because things aren't set. But I know they're going to happen.

Matthew will be working with Spencer. Who knew? We are very grateful for Spencer and the company he works for to put their faith in Matthew and provide him with an opportunity that will benefit us immensely. I know it's going to be hard, but it will be rewarding. I am so so so happy for Matthew to be able to do something new and progress in his life career-wise. We are SO thankful to Spencer and Ashley for putting effort into helping us.

We know many other family and friends have prayed for us in these tough times, and I thank you so much. The future is uncertain, but I'm going to accept this sunset. I'm ready to rest from this semester - this very long day. I'm ready to welcome a new one!