Perspective is an amazing thing, I can talk to one person who saw the same thing as another, but each person describes the situation completely different from the other.  You see, we all have the ability to look at a situation and decide whether we want to embrace it and enjoy it or fight it, argue about it, or be miserable in it.

After thinking through the past decade of my life I am left with a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from extreme highs, to extreme lows.  There were things that happened that I had always dreamed would happen and then there were nightmares that came true that I never thought that I’d wish on myself or anyone else.  That said, I’ve come to realize that we all live in a world filled with people searching and striving for great success, and what that success is, and even though that success looks different for everyone, and even though there are certain things I’d love to have or do that might define success, I’ve come to realize that one of the greatest success over the past 10 years is that Kaet and I are honestly stronger today than we were 10 years ago.

You see, the reason perspective is so funny is because some people (including myself at times) could look at our life over the past 10 years and thought that our life seemed unbearable at times, and if I’m honest, some days it does and did feel that way.  However, as I look back on the moments that seemed unbearable, they now have become monuments in our past that helped to shape, mold, and define who we are today.  Because of the perspective we were given through Jesus, Kaet and I did not allow the unbearable moments to crush us, but rather we have become stronger because of them. Now, we can look back on those days and use it as motivation to get through the next challenge that we will face. The best part about perspective is that we can control how we perceive something, and we get to choose how we want to face this world in front of us.

If you had told me 10 years ago, that my life would look the way that it does now, I might have been pretty dang scared, to be honest.  However, I’ve realized that some of the things we are most scared of can become our greatest blessing.  

10 years ago Kaet and I moved to this little house in McKenzie, TN, and this is where we begin the process of becoming adults. In the middle of this season of life, I don’t think I would have ever expected to look back on this house with such joy, but I do and I’m incredibly thankful for this moment where it all real began for me and Kaet. The people we met and the lessons we began to learn in this house will alway hold a special place for us.

I guess if I had to give someone advice on how to live the next 10 years, I’d say, “Make it your own, enjoy every moment, fear nothing, love generously, learn from your failures, and remember nothing lasts forever.” 

Below are some pictures of our crazy life over the past 10 years, and I can’t wait to see what our pictures will look like 10 years from now.