In the Beginning…

Where does one start? That is, where does one start when finally–after years of being told they should put pen to paper and tell their story–they actually take action to do so. They drum up the courage to step out on a ledge and out of their comfort zone to share their heart and soul with the whole world. They reconnect with a teacher from decades ago who offers to serve as mentor and cheerleader. Where does one start in their quest to show the world the truth of their story: that darkness can be destroyed by light, that despair can be transformed into hope and joy, that trials and tribulations provide a way to freedom, and that if you are still alive God isn’t done with you yet and there is still room to grow . Just writing those words floods my mind with so many stories, so many examples, so much I want to share with the world in an effort to be a positive force in these dark and confusing times. So, here I am, that person mentioned at the start, who is staring at my laptop screen wondering where to start. Where is the beginning?

The Gravel Road Diaries is a name born out of my reality: I live in the middle of nowhere down miles of gravel roads, a place where going anywhere short of retrieving the mail is a journey. “So what?” you may say “what’s so special about that?”. Well, these gravel roads signify hours of running–literally running–while processing the messiness that is life. And boy can life be messy at times! These roads represent the miles spent driving surrounded by the simplistic beauty of wheat fields and sage brush. They represent hours spent on horseback immersed in the sweet freshness of the country air. They represent my “zen” place, my “nirvana”, my heaven. These roads are where the inspiration to write has come to me too many times to recall, words that I had the distinct feeling were divinely directed but which I chose to keep to myself. Until now.

Some of you may already know me and my story. You may know of the precarious juggling act I do each day as wife, mother, business owner, and small town veterinarian. You may also know of my recent diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis as well as that of our son and the challenges this has presented. You may feel that you know me but rest assured you really do not. There is much to my story that I have held back from all but my husband and closest friends. However, I’ve come to realize that out there somewhere is a person who needs to hear my story to help them navigate through their story, to give them hope and inspiration. So here I sit at my laptop, preparing to welcome the world into my life. I know not where this season of life and portion of my journey will take me but I do know that all journeys start at the same place. In the beginning.

Until next time…