Derby Weekend...Lessons Learned

Yes, it's Derby weekend in Kentucky and it's been an exciting time! For several weeks, there have been many activities leading up to this thrilling event. You just can't live in Kentucky and not know about it. Tim, Micah and I even spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon last month at Keeneland watching the horse races and that was an incredible experience! (Thanks, Myron & Sue!) Although I still have so much to learn about the horse world, I am continually blessed to enjoy the beautiful scenery, pride, thrill and wonder surrounding us in this area. Of course, loving horses since I was a child has made this season in our lives even more exciting.

As always, my analytical mind has thought long and hard about the lessons we can learn from the thrill of Derby weekend...and all that is involved long before it arrives. I have heard folks comment in previous years that all the hoopla about a "two minute race" seems a bit extreme. But that really isn't a complete picture of all that's involved with the Derby...not by a long shot. (Sorry...I couldn't resist that pun!) There is so much involved long before those "two minutes." There are countless hours and people involved in the care, training, planning, support and behind the scenes activities which make Derby Day possible. There are many facets of selection, preparation and hard work which finally bring those specific horses to Churchill Downs for that wonderful day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The two minutes seen around the world are only a fraction...yet very cherished...part of a long and tedious process. But what an amazing two minutes they are! Because of all the effort of so many people and those majestic animals, it's a very special day for rejoicing and celebrating.

We can learn so many lessons about patience, consistent endeavors, discipline, focus and endurance from this, can't we? Whatever season we are experiencing in life, we can certainly benefit from holding on to the purpose and joy of the journey...and the goals ahead. This applies to life, faith, health, education, relationships and family. I believe that each life has been placed on this earth for a specific and valuable reason and that the journey of life is a constant process which prepares us for each step ahead. Sometimes it is hard to see. Other times we find ourselves acknowledging and celebrating specific seasons. But each moment is a valuable and necessary step forward.

The journey to our baby girl/s in China is also a process that requires focus, endurance, patience, hard work and efforts by many people on local, state, national and international levels. There are hours, days, weeks, months and even years involved in the journey of adoption. It is a process of patience, faith, hard work, cooperation and keeping our eyes on the goal of bringing our precious daughter/s home to our Forever Family. Sometimes it is difficult to wait. Sometimes it is frustrating to love someone so much but not have her home with us...yet. Sometimes there are various concerns as we wonder how it will all work out. Yet when we remind ourselves of our precious little girl/s waiting for us to travel to China, hold her in our arms for the first time, meet the wonderful people who have cared for her since birth, and bring her home to join us for the rest of our lives...it's soooooo worth it.

As we watched the beginning of the races recently, the track seemed long and the horses seemed far away. But the anticipation steadily grew as they rounded each turn closer to the prize. I won't forget hearing the growing excitement of the crowd as the horses drew nearer. And then...it seemed the ground literally shook as the thunderous roar of those horses became closer and stronger...and in full sight of the finish line. What a thrill as they crossed the line and realized how worthwhile every step of the journey had been that brought them to this joyful, amazing, breath-taking and exciting moment!

Hold on...whatever your season of life is and wherever you are in the journey! Each step is purposeful. Each moment is valuable. Each turn is significant. Hold on...to one another and to the One who has a perfect plan and design for your life. Hold on...to a journey that is blessed and beautiful along the way. Hold on, JennaBeth (EmmaKate?)! We're coming around another turn to hold you in our arms...and bring you home. Our journey is so worth it!
Cherishing each moment of holding on....
Terri & Family