Joy A. Mead

There are certain dates that are blazed into memory—my wedding anniversary, family birthdays, the day my grandma went to be with Jesus, etc.

Today is significant because exactly sixteen years ago, I landed at London Heathrow on a one-way ticket, as a new bride and new immigrant full of optimism and wonder.

I’ve already had a few tears well up when I look back at the rich life that has been lived over the past sixteen years. I didn’t realise back then that I had so much more growing up to do until coming to England and all my security blankets were removed. This was it—a new life, new husband, new country, new opportunity to trust God more than ever.

We’ve had so many moments of God’s grace poured out so generously on us throughout the years.

At the time, though I did have my UK visa and had a stable job, I wasn’t allowed to be on our mortgage until I properly settled in the UK after two years. God worked it out so we would have just enough finances between Charlie’s individual mortgage, his parents’ mortgage on our behalf, and a gifting from my parents for our first flat (apartment).

Then when it was time to move to our house, God again worked out the timing amazingly to get my name added onto the mortgage before I resigned from work to become a stay-at-home mother. We also were blessed in the housing process with selling the flat and buying the house for exactly the same amount!

God was so gracious at both the births of our daughter and son. Two precious lives added to ours which would change us for the better! Learning how to be a parent myself without having my parents around and running on sleep deprivation certainly grew my dependency on the Lord.

Seeing the children thrive and grow into their own interests over the years with one wanting to be an artist/writer/illustrator and the other determined to be a scientist/engineer/astronaut has been incredible as well as my learning of the British school system as they continue to reach their school milestones.

It was in our lowest season of marriage that desperate pleas for God to somehow bring us through and attending therapy saw us still choosing each other daily, with trust and faith being restored in time. We came through the fire refined and stronger together than ever before.

There have been moments of Charlie’s business trials and triumphs, yet God has always keep it afloat. The Lord’s wisdom and guidance have led Charlie to make the best decisions throughout the years for his work and provide well for the family.

I am so thankful for all the years of back-and-forth visits between London and San Francisco and memories with loved ones! For travelling mercies and the hope that only the Holy Spirit can bring that we’ll all meet again when we must say our goodbyes, I am eternally grateful.

All the years, all the memories, all the moments of trusting God through it all.

We are often so busy with the day-to-day life that we forget just how far we’ve come. I know I do! So, reaching a milestone moment is important and defining because it allows me a brief pause to acknowledge how far I’ve come.

I’ve been stretched beyond what I thought I was capable of accomplishing.

I’ve been pushed further than I wanted to be.

I’ve certainly been challenged to continually evolve into the person God wants me to become.

As I look ahead, I am so grateful for the beautiful life I have been given—a rich, beautiful, meaningful, sometimes difficult, often overwhelming, but always hope-filled, faith-living life.

May I always live for God’s glory!

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour, my God will hear me.

Micah 7:7