Week 3.16: New Leaf

Week 3.16: New Leaf is actually a misnomer because this is an old leaf. This is an aspen leaf that fell off of a tree and got rained on...but this picture is actually symbolic to me because it reminds me of the New Leaf I turned over a year ago today.

But first, let me tell you where I saw this leaf...at the beginning of a trail head at a retreat center. I went to this retreat center with a bunch of other ladies from my church. It was a strange experience because I had been to this same retreat center in fourth and fifth grade. Going back as an adult, I expected my memory to be jogged a bit. I suppose it was, in very fleeting bits, but most of all, it was the turning of a New Leaf.

No longer a girl. Now I have a step-daughter older than I was when I first went to camp.

No longer worried about boys. I've married a man.

No longer wondering what I would be like when I grew up. I am supposed to be the grownup.

No longer searching for my identity. I am sure I belong to God.

Still there are things that are the same...or a repeat.

I'm married again. We are celebrating our one year anniversary today. Yep. We made it through 365 days of being a new family.

A year ago today, I walked down an aisle strewn with autumn leaves.

Today, my sweet husband sang and played me a song he learned just for our anniversary. A song I've loved since high school...and he didn't even know that about me. We're still learning each other...

He also bought me a cross...My sweet kids got me a cutie coffee mug and a cross. And what did I get for my husband? A mini replica of the church he got down on one knee in front of...and two crosses. Our collection is growing quickly!

It's not anything like it was the first time. I've turned over a New Leaf. And I am so glad I did.

In case you're wondering what song it was..."Forever and Ever Amen."