Wherever We Land

There’s a truth in life that no one is exempt from, no matter how hard we try to avoid it: loss. At a young age, I experienced the deep sorrow of losing a loved one, and though it was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, it ultimately became the most formative experience of my life. In the midst of grief, I discovered something powerful—how much I truly need to lean on God.

When I lost that person I loved dearly, I was overwhelmed by emotions and a sense of helplessness. The world, which once seemed so stable, felt like it was falling apart. In the depths of that grief, God became my constant. It was in the quiet moments, when the pain felt too heavy to bear, that I learned to seek His presence. I learned that in the face of loss, only God’s love could provide the peace that transcends understanding. It was a lesson I didn’t want to learn, but one I now hold dear: we are never promised tomorrow. Life is fragile, and each day is truly a gift.

That early experience of loss reshaped the way I view the world. It taught me to live in the present, to appreciate every moment, and to never take a single day for granted. Life is too short, and I realized that if I wanted to honor my loved ones and the time I have, I needed to make the most of it. Instead of dwelling on what I no longer had, I began to focus on what I could still experience and enjoy with gratitude.

As I’ve aged, I’ve learned not only to cherish life but to embrace new things that I might not have otherwise tried. One of those things is camping. I used to be someone who never imagined being outdoors for more than a quick walk or reading on my porch, but now, camping has become a way for me to reconnect with God’s creation and with my family. Whether in a tent or a camper, I’ve found joy in nature’s simplicity, in the quiet moments of the outdoors where I can just breathe, pray, and reflect.

I thank God for every new day, whether it brings joy or challenges. I praise Him for the moments that make me feel alive—whether I’m exploring new places, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking in the beauty of the world around me. Each day is a reminder of the love and grace He has shown me, and I am learning to see every experience as a blessing, even the hard ones. Through all of it, my faith continues to grow.

Losing someone so close to me at a young age taught me the most profound lesson I could ever learn: life is a gift, and it is meant to be lived fully. I no longer let fear or hesitation hold me back. I lean on God for strength, knowing that with Him, I can face whatever comes my way. And as I continue to walk this path, I do so with gratitude in my heart, praising Him for every moment, every adventure, and every day that I am allowed to live.

Each day is a gift, and I will continue to cherish it, knowing that God is with me every step of the way.