6 years ago, if you had told me that I would be ironing police uniforms I would have thought it was because I was working at the dry cleaners. Never would have thought it was because Ryan would be in the Police Academy. Not because I can't see Ryan as an officer or someone to enforce the law but more because it had never came up when we would have "dream job" discussions.
To catch some of you up that I haven't talked to in the past year, Ryan decided about a year and a half ago that he would like to apply to become an Austin Police Officer. I was super shocked (to say the least), scared, mad, confused, excited. It was really weird all the emotions I felt. It didn't help that I was pregnant and had emotions over little things too. I kept thinking, surely this is a phase and it won't really happen. I kept praying that this wouldn't happen. I know it was cruel, but all I could think about was the time that we would miss with him and the holidays that he would have to work, etc. Of course the safety issue was in my mind, too but I just kept pushing that to the back of my mind. I was really not OK with this decision. Ryan had physical tests, interviews, papers to write, etc. to get passed into the Academy. It was a year long process and through it all he went to the gym about 5 times a week and studied what they recommend studying. I had never seen him work so hard for anything. For that, I was so proud.
We got a letter in the mail and he had been accepted into the Spring 2012 Police Academy. Only 20% of applicants actually get in. I was still very unhappy and very scared for our future. I tried to keep it together because I wanted to support my husband and not knock him down, but I just couldn't see how this would work. So, I changed my prayer from Lord, make this go away to Lord change my heart! I knew this was so important to Ryan and he wanted to provide for his family, so I asked God to change my heart!
Of course, God heard my cry and changed my heart. I have felt so much peace the last few weeks about Ryan starting the Academy. Instead of being angry that he's had to take time away from us to study, I've been encouraging him on. This feels so much better! I was so worried that I would be bitter and not very supportive when he started the Academy, instead I've been a prayer warrior. I've been ironing and praying. That's what I can do to help. Ryan's having to do the hard stuff. He's having to get kicked down just so he can get back up again! It's tougher than we imagined, but I know that God is more powerful than we imagine. God is going to strengthen Ryan, our marriage, and our family through the next 8 months!
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