Interesting enough where I left off in my last post, it leads to my next point when it comes to 2014. 2014 was also a full year in being able to work on my blog. I started it at the end of October 2013. Some things that I take away from it are that I know it is no where close to what I would like it to be. That means several things. First thing is, that I need to commit to making it more interactive and visible to those of you that are reading it. Which, again I cannot thank you enough if you are reading it. First, it is such an honor to write about my dad and my family and secondly to have you read it. Second thing is, that I need to make my blog more of a priority. Because I truly believe that God has really given me a great opportunity to do this blog, and that it can really help people.
It's interesting because I was speaking with a friend of mine recently about this. I told them, that I felt like I had really been gaining momentum with my blog. I was able to write a good bit in 2014, but I also know I can do more with it. The reason I say this is because there are several blogs that I follow. One of those being Jon Acuff's who I have mentioned before. With him being a public speaker and having had the opportunity to go to the START Conference he hosted, sometimes I get discouraged. He is constantly posting on Twitter with the link to his blog and also his most recent book just came out, Do Over.
I have to remember that God has me in a different place in my life. He has given me a different story and has me reaching a different audience. I am not saying that Jon has not been through pain or tough times, but the people that I hope read this are the people that are experiencing pain. Pain that hurts so bad, that only God can bring healing to. And while that doesn't mean I need to slack off, and not write as much, I remember why I am doing it, which keeps me going. Along with that real life happens. Sometimes I get discouraged by that too. I am not able to work on it for a variety of reasons. And again I have to remember it doesn't have to look a certain way. Sometimes I fool myself into thinking that real life doesn't happen for other people and everything is going perfectly, when they are dealing with everyday, real life issues like I am.
Getting back to where I ended in the other post, I ended talking about the many weddings that I went to in 2014. Funny enough, 2015 seems to be the year of a lot happening in my family. Back during Mother's Day Weekend 2014, my older stepbrother and future sister-in-law got engaged. I mentioned them in my previous post, and they are getting married March 28th, which is coming up very soon. Even more recently, only a few weeks ago, my other stepbrother Wesley Hester and his fiance Jessica Cohen got engaged, and they will be getting married August 29th of this year. My sister, Alyssa Mastrianni who I have mentioned in my blog before is working and living in New York City. She moved up the day after we got back from Pebble Beach. Whew...really that is all happening this year?
With all this happening in my family comes a lot of time either talking with my family or being with them in person. I don't write this as a bad thing, but just stating it because of all that is happening. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but I remind myself and many times pray for peace, and that God would bring peace to our family, because it is easy to worry with all that is going on. It's also easy for me to discouraged. With all the excitement going on for our family, I realize that I am not dating anybody. With this sometimes I can feel like I need to find somebody. God reminds me that he can work through me as a single person.
I also remind myself that marriage is not something to rush into. Not that I need to wait for a long time, but be okay with being single. And if you are anything like me, sometimes I get into the thought that there is not anyone out there for me. That no one would be willing to share what I have experienced over 15 years with my dad. I think that is somewhat of a selfish thought. I do understand that some people may not get married. As someone who would like to get married, I am learning more that I can't shut myself off to loving somebody. For the rest of my life, my excuse can't be what my family went through with my dad. Because again many other people have been through the same or worse.
Overall, I have to remember that right now is an exciting time for my family. It's easy to be selfish and be mad at God and think that nothing exciting is happening in my life. Just like with my blog, I have to remind myself God has me in a different stage of life. And again, not just being lazy, but being okay with things happening, even if I think it is happening slowly.
Thanks for Reading and God Bless,
Patrick Mastrianni
Links to blogs
Alyssa Mastrianni: http://darcy-dearest.blogspot.com/
Jon Acuff: http://acuff.me/. Also, here is the link to his new book. http://acuff.me/do-over/
