Welcome to a New Chel
It’s probably less of a new Chel than a new Chel era, but still. I think I can finally say that I’m comfortable here in Florida. There are still things I want here (a good church, Christian friends), but to have finally found my contentment here… that’s a huge thing.
We’ve been here 22 months now, and the contentment was hard earned. You can read about the journey to this place in the archives (but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re having a melancholy day). I’ve had days where I sobbed all the way to and from work… where I wanted to crawl into bed and never come out again… where I thought we’d never find a sense of peace. I’ve been angry with God… wondered why He was angry with me… felt distanced from Him.
And now… here we are. It really was like I woke up one day and thought, “hey…this life isn’t so bad.” I knew it would be that way. I just never dreamed it would take this long.
It’s nothing like working with Linda and Aleece and being really good at my job. And it’s nothing like living two doors down from Mandy and Josh. And we don’t have a favorite pizza place, but we did find a favorite Italian ice place.
I kept thinking that I wanted to get back to when I felt like this or that. I wanted to get back to where I felt alive with God. But the truth is, I can’t go back there. It’ll never be like any of those times because I can’t go back. And in a whole lot of ways, I wouldn’t want to go back. All I can do is move forward.
Tuesday, when we celebrated my birthday, I remember looking at the kids and at Mike as we ate dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and thinking, “this is a good life. I am so grateful.”
So that’s my theme for this next year of my life. Gratitude.
And it seems appropriate that, just as I realized a new way of looking at this life, my unbelievably talented friend, Aleece, offered to completely redesign my blog and to pull me into WordPress as a birthday present.
(Isn’t it amazing?! She also designed my previous look with the sunflower. Look around… she’s just a phenominal artist. There are days when I’m pretty sure she’s pretty sure that her web design work isn’t art, but I’m pretty sure it is.)
And now, I’m not quite sure my life is as pretty as the blog yet. But I’m content now. And I’m more open to the possibilities surrounding me. And that’s a good thing. So, welcome… to a new Chel.
Filed under Most Everything | Permalink |Tagged with: Faith • Family • Florida • Gratitude
5 Responses to “Welcome to a New Chel”
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I praise God for your contentment.
I feel it every time I look at Ally Grace’s face, and I then send up a popcorn prayer and feel so unworthy of all His blessings. May you soon find a favorite pizza place!
Chel,
I love it. Looks great. Easy to navigate, too. What are the benefits of Wordpress? It’s one I’ve never played around with.
Love your outlook. It’s inspiring.
Happy Birthday, friend.
Val
What a great post! The new look is gorgeous & I’m sure your life is just as pretty!
Your new blog is very pretty!:)
The redesign is great! I love Wordpress also. That’s another off your list for 1001 days, right?
I noticed you like to write. Have you checked out this blog by a literary agent? http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/ She’s in the Christian fiction market.
Thanks for all your comments and for stopping by. I e-mailed my address to you so you can send the jeans to be made into a bag.