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I used to be that girl who didn’t like the smell of the outdoors. I Would place a napkin over a log before I sat down. Any time my children would go outside to play, I would promptly place them in a bath once they came in for the day.

I was this girl who would have makeup on every day, no hair out of place, earrings of every style, nails done, and wearing heels on the daily. My night time routine took over an hour, and I loved it.

But things slowly changed. My husband and I started a business. In automotive. An environment not suitable for heels every day. In the trenches, my makeup became less and less. Hair only pulled into a ponytail or a bun. Dressing up, makeup and heels, maybe, reserved for Sunday morning service.

About 9 years into the business, God spoke to us and told us it was time to release the business, and then the pandemic started. So there was no opportunity, or need for that matter, to wear makeup, let alone high heels.

In April of last year, we decided to place our home of the last 6 years on the market and look for property to purchase with our children. As we made the big push selling our house and moving into our new home, I came upon my old makeup. All of it expired. Just the idea of having to throw it all away was hard. But the physical act of doing so was even harder. I told my husband it was like throwing away that piece of me.

There are times I miss that girl, and sometimes I long to go back to her. But life brings about many twists and turns along the way. Within those twists and turns, we adapt and change along with them. We learn to embrace the unexpected.

Today, I get to write and watch our beautiful granddaughter. My hair in a ponytail or bun. Our newest adventure has me wearing work boots, getting dirty, taking care of animals, and a farm. As we add more animals to the family and build shelters and gardens, I find myself with dirt under my nails, mud, and other things on my boots, and I’m happy. Amid farm work, stall cleaning, pasture prepping, animal caring and working my body to its limits, I smile, because I know this is where I was intended to be. I found my calm and peaceful place.

I am happy with the girl I am today. Where life has taken me. Even with the heartache and tears of life. The lessons learned are so important. Today I get to manage a farm with my husband, children, and granddaughter. We get to sit in awe of God’s creation every single day. As our evening song rings out, it reminds me of God’s blessings on our lives.

Which brings me back to that girl I used to be. It also makes me think of all of you who have grown from who you once were. I think it’s all right to miss the girl you once were, as long as you are open to being the girl God is calling you to be. Embrace the unexpected. Embrace the journey. Embrace who God has created you to be. Even if it takes twists and turns along the way to get there. And don’t forget, we should always be learning and growing and pressing into the Lord. Don’t run away from the unexpected. Because the unexpected might be just what you needed.

Michele Arnold