What I learned from my Divorce

I will admit I remember thinking years ago when someone was divorced that there must be something wrong with them; or what did they do to get in that place? Then all of a sudden there I was - DIVORCED! When I got divorced I couldn't muster up the energy to even say the word - Divorced.  Now, here I was sitting alongside all of these perfect families and mine was broken.  What could have possibly gone so wrong?

Well, it has been twelve years since I went through that time in my life and this is what I have learned:

• I am only in control of my own actions.  I can't control how someone else acts and the choices they make.
• I have a kind and loving Heavenly Father who ALWAYS and FOREVER will love me!
• How could I have possibly grown if I hadn't gone through this trial? My life has been richly blessed with so many people.  I would have never known them if this had not happened to me.  
• I have learned to be more empathetic.  
• I have learned to be less judgemental of others, and to learn more about them and their story.  
• I have learned that it isn't always my plan or what I think, but that God has a better plan for me.
• Sometimes when you are married, you take it for granted.  Being married takes ALOT of hard work from both people.  There are some really high points and then some really low points, but by working through it with Gods help, it is possible.  
• Always work on keeping your marriage alive.  Go on dates, forgive each other and ALWAYS, ALWAYS communicate.  

Believe it or not, there is life after divorce!  I did get remarried, but I didn't walk off into the sunset because life still constantly deals me challenges, but I also experience great joy too.  My life is so richly blessed by the many people and experiences I have had since my divorce.  I have come to realize that I wouldn't be the person I am today if hadn't experienced this difficult time in my life.