As we are looking back over the last year and looking towards the new one, many thoughts flood my memory. How did the year start? What happened? What was good? What was bad? What was unexpected? What was new? What was old? Where did I go? Did I make a good use of my time? Did I make new friends? Did I keep in touch with the old ones? Did I serve others? Did I love unconditionally and give grace freely? Am I proud of the last year? and What will I do in the next one?
There are many answers to all those questions, but here a few that stick out to me. Since my birthday and New Years are just a few weeks apart, mentally, they are almost the same thing. I don't really do "New Years Resolutions" because if I discover something in my life that needs to be changed, I don't need to wait on the calendar to tell me when do to that. However, I decided last year, when I turned 25, that I didn't want to live a life of regret. My nature is to think about ALL the options, weigh the consequences of every choice, THEN do something. Rarely are any of the options something crazy or dangerous, however I love to make a list of pros and cons, then make a conscious decision. I decided last year, that I would be smart, but maybe sometimes make a riskier choice. AND I did-and I survived!
I took myself on a birthday vacation, took spontaneous trips with semi-strangers, traveled with friends, went on an international mission trip, tried new foods, kicked old habits, tried new styles, made new friends, and it was a blast!
As I am thinking of what all else happened in 2013 the "big events" include: both brothers graduating (one from high school and the other from college), my best friend having her son, lots of weddings, lots of babies, a new puppy at our house, Noah getting Type I, my first full year without any grandparents, a HUGE JDRF Walk turnout, Jon Gabriel getting engaged to his love, and MANY trips! However, there were also unrealistic expectations, disappointing exchanges, and the expected bumps in the road.
As I consider the unexpected disappointments, it causes me to think about how I can avoid or change them for the future. Since I cannot control everything that happens in my life, some of those things are completely out of my control. However, it reminds me that there are two things in life that are constant---one is the Lord and the other is change.
The Lord has used the last few years to really grow and mature me. Although that transition from college to single adulthood has been awkward, it has really given me a chance to grow and to faithfully follow after Christ. He does have to remind me that no time is wasted, and that life is far more about timing than time. I am thankful that He sees the whole parade, when I can only see one float at a time.
I am excited to see what all will happen in 2014, I am confident that the Lord will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we know. I will be praying for my friends/family who are starting the year with the Daniel fast, and am looking forward to see how the Lord uses it in our lives.
Happy 2014, may it be the best yet!!
