*Can It Never Be You?* Dear Journal, Life has a way of humbling us. This new season has turned me into a complete crybaby—I cry over everything and anything (happy tears, of course!). I used to think some reactions were over the top. But after enduring labor pains for what felt like forever, the moment my baby arrived, I burst into uncontrollable tears, shouting, God did this for me!—something I once thought was too extra. Then came her dedication at church. I was all smiles and giggles until it was time to present her. That’s when the real tears came, making my first outburst seem like child's play. Through these experiences, I’ve realized something profound: we never truly understand another person’s emotions or decisions until we’ve walked their path. It’s easy to judge from a distance, to assume we’d act differently, but life has a way of proving us wrong. Looking back, I see how easy it is to think, They should have done better. They should have known better. But when you’re the one in the moment, when you’re dealing with the weight of your own experiences, you realize—sometimes, it could be you. There’s a God-factor that shapes our journeys, guiding our choices in ways we don’t always understand. And so, I’m learning to lead with empathy and humility—to be less quick to judge and more willing to understand. If someone sobs uncontrollably over a slice of cake, who am I to say it’s not justified? So here’s to giving grace, to embracing our emotions, and to walking through life with a heart that chooses kindness over criticism. Wishing you the very best in everything this week and beyond. Love,
Aby 💕