GREYHAIRLADYSPEAKSOUT

When God hands you joy you didn’t see coming, and a partner willing to sway with you.

Reflecting on the Journey

Every day, I marvel at the chapters my life has written so far. When I look back on my winding path, the mistakes, the triumphs, the “Lord, please get me through this” moments; I can finally see just how faithfully God guided me. Parenthood wasn’t always easy, and honestly, even now that my daughters are grown, it still has its moments. Some days felt like juggling flaming torches with one hand while balancing a baby on my hip. But even in the chaos, I was never truly alone. God was there, steady and patient, walking me through every storm and blessing. His fingerprints mark every chapter, and I wouldn’t dare pull out a single messy thread. Each one helped shape the woman I am today.

Friendship That Feels Like Family

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded just how thankful I am for the friendships that have become family. The women who prayed with me, cried with me, and laughed so hard we nearly needed oxygen; those friendships have been the warm background harmony to my life’s song.

They’re the kind of friends who make you laugh so hard as you are sitting on the porch that you’re convinced it counts as cardio, because let’s be honest, at our age, we’ll take any workout we can get. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times,” and goodness, have these women lived that out in my life.

Learning to Love Again

Now here I am, learning to love again later in life, something I prayed for, hoped for, and honestly wasn’t sure would ever find its way to me again. But leave it to God to prepare my heart long before I realized He was doing it.

Falling in love at this stage feels a little like joining a dance class you didn’t sign up for and suddenly remembering you were born with two left feet. It takes faith, humor, and a whole lot of trust in God to handle the choreography. And trust me, He has to lead… because between the two of us, we’ve got four left feet, questionable rhythm, and a dance routine that seems to change every time the music does. But somehow, with Him guiding the steps, it all feels wonderfully, unexpectedly right.

A Joy That Surprises

This man has shown me more love in a few short months than I ever expected was still waiting for me. Some days I’m amazed, some days I’m downright overwhelmed, and then there are moments when I just stop, smile, and thank God that my heart still knows how to swing the doors wide open. Psalm 126:3 says, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” And here I am, joyful, grateful, and honestly a little giddy about what’s ahead.

Even on days when stress creeps in or life throws an unexpected challenge to overcome, that abiding joy carries me through. It reminds me that God’s presence isn’t just in the celebrations, it’s in the quiet, the messy, and the “oh no, not this again” moments too.

A Brand-New Dance

What I treasure most is that this new love isn’t trying to rewrite my past, it’s simply sweeping in, taking my hand, and saying, “Hang on, sweetheart… the best part might still be coming.” It has its own rhythm, its own sparkle, and a melody so fresh I’m convinced God is in heaven humming it as He writes. And He must be having a ball with this one, because it’s filled with hope, companionship, second chances, and enough awkward dance steps to keep the angels thoroughly entertained. I can practically hear them laughing and shouting, “Bless her heart, she’s trying!”

But honestly, that’s the beauty of it all. For the first time in ages, I’m not just looking back with gratitude, I’m looking ahead with excitement, curiosity, and a little bit of “well, let’s see what happens next!” God’s opening a brand-new chapter for me, and I’m stepping into it with joy, courage, and enough playful spirit to make even the missteps part of the fun.

And as Thanksgiving approaches, I can almost hear the clink of glasses, the laughter of friends, and the little moments of chaos that come with the holiday. Yet somehow, amidst the busy, the messy, and the laughter-filled commotion, abiding joy still takes center stage, and for that, I am immeasurably grateful.

Author’s Note

As Thanksgiving draws near, I’m realizing that God’s sweetest blessings often come wrapped in laughter, grace, and a touch of holy mischief. My past has shaped me, the present keeps surprising me, and this new love is a gentle reminder that His timing is always perfect, especially for those of us still figuring out which foot to lead with.

With love and faith,
Marie