By Kristi Steidley

When I got divorced, all I had were the belongings I could fit in my car—my digital piano, my dog, and a few essentials. I drove across several states back to my parents’ house, unsure of what to do next. I took a few days to pray and reflect before deciding on my next step.

I chose to return to The Olive Garden in Layton, UT, where I had worked before moving across the country. My parents lent me money to get an apartment and buy some groceries. I also borrowed an air mattress to sleep on and a lawn chair to sit in. My tiny setup included a small TV on top of crates, my digital piano, and just a handful of clothes. That was it!

Just months earlier, I had been sleeping in my car—so having a small apartment, even without much furniture, felt like a major step up. It was pretty bare, but I didn’t mind. I wasn’t focused on stuff. I was just grateful to finally be at peace. I was thankful for a lawn chair to sit in and an air mattress to sleep on. I was thankful to live alone with my dog. The apartment may have been empty, but my heart was full. I offered constant prayers of gratitude.

I picked up every shift I could, working hard and saving until I could afford a couch. That couch felt like such a victory. It was big, soft, and meant I didn’t have to sleep on the air mattress anymore. I could relax and even fall asleep on it—it was a huge upgrade.

A few months later, I met and married my husband. He was living in a brand-new home. I had a home! It was beautiful, and it actually had furniture. The funny thing? His couch was really old—thankfully, I had one of those. That was my one real contribution, possession-wise, to our marriage. Soon after, we were able to pay back the money I owed my parents.

I went from living out of my car to an empty apartment, and then to a big, beautiful home. From surviving on Olive Garden’s minestrone soup to enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals. From sleeping alone on an air mattress to sleeping in a king-sized bed next to someone who filled my heart with love.

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