Full Circle

I'm not a big supporter of looking back usually but today marks a day worth doing this for me.  Today marks an answer to prayer.  Last year I was in a state turmoil and conflict - feeling unable to love or receive love in the proper way.  I felt desperate and dysfunctional and very, very unhealthy.  Life began to unravel shortly after....

Many bumps and bruises later I can truly say I'm now stronger for it.  This year has been a fight!  At times I knew what I was fighting for and at other times I didn't.  A few days ago, I posted about divorce being war but how I intended to put a different kind of spin on that.  I intend to choose love and compassion over anger and hatred.  It's a battle that doesn't have to end in total devastation.  Some battles, when fought properly have the ability to foster growth and change for the greater good.

But the fight is never over.  Love itself is war.  It's a battle we all face.  It's where we are all attacked at one time or another - whether by friends, family or significant others.  The world twists it into ways we don't understand or turns it into blatant lies that throw us off course.  I believe it is the most powerful attack we face and we face it daily.  Why?  Because it's also our most powerful weapon!  It is the key to our joy, peace and fulfillment and if the world can disarm us or corrupt our ability to love, we miss out on those blessings.

So I am determined not to go unarmed any longer.  Last year I was vulnerable and attacked.  This year I am clothed in full armor.  I'm ready to fight.  Not only do I have the most powerful weapon on my side, I have the shield of brokenness to go with it.  The scars of a previous battle have only made me stronger and more focused.  This time I have a different enemy and also a different ally.  Things have come full circle - and only because of answered prayer.

Instead of hearts today, I see circles....  Circles have no end.  They are forever.  Just like love.