I realize that this is my third blog today, but I have a lot of thoughts today and can't seem to express them enough through one or two blogs! I've just been in the best mood ever today and for the last couple of days. I mentioned previously that for the last several years I've been going in circles. I pushed myself through problem after problem, but never really got anywhere. It was as if I were stuck in a maze that had no way out. Just when I thought one path looked promising, it led me to yet another dead end. So many times I was tempted to give up, allowing the hedges to grow inward and surround me. When this happened, Jesus took my hand and led me down a new path. The last path we took was the longest of them all. There were so many dead ends and wrong turns. Finally, however, he has led me out of the maze. I can feel the sunlight on my skin and the freedom in my veins. I am no longer confused, no longer desperate for the help of everyone around me. I realize now that with Jesus by my side, I have everything I could ever need. You see, this maze did something to me. There were mirrors along the way. Mirrors that distorted my image and made me believe it was unattractive. There were voices in the shadows telling me that I would never make it out, that I was on my own and no one would ever come to rescue me. With each step that I took, I grew more weary. Until now, that is. I thought that because I was so stuck I was hopeless and fragile. Now I see that I grew stronger with each voice I drowned out, with each mirror I turned away from. I am 100 times stronger than I was when I entered. I looked at myself today in a real mirror. It was as if this mirror allowed me to see not only my outward appearance, but deep into my soul as well. I saw someone who was beautiful because she was sculpted by the hands of God. I saw someone who has been through so much, but has covered the bruises to appear untouched. Her soul was so alive. I don't know what triggered this new freedom that has washed over me. I don't even know if I'll still feel this way in the morning. All I know is that whatever maze I was stuck in over the last several years, Jesus has finally led me out of it.