Where are the Years?

I really can't believe it's been 12 years since I graduated from high school. Where did those 12 years go? Our church bulletin had the list of 19 that graduate from high school this year, and next Sunday's service is in their honor. That has me thinking back to when I graduated. Much of what I had imagined for myself has come to pass. I graduated from college, married, worked as a music teacher, have children, own a home. There are things I couldn't have imagined also...how marriage ebbs and flows, changes and deepens, that teaching music is not really a passion of mine, children are extremely difficult to care for, but nothing can compare to a giggling baby or two grubby little hands reaching around your neck for a great big hug, and a home is an epicenter of life together and an opportunity for hospitality. There are things in life you learn as you go, and no one can tell you what exactly to expect. I know there are many things I have yet to discover. I haven't fought a life-threatening disease, or experienced a loss so painful that my heart winces each time I think of it. I don't know the joy of grandchildren, or the ache of watching my child make bad choices. I'll just keep living and growing and let another dozen years teach me more about life.