reflections

Before I even get going on this, I apologize for and spelling and/or grammar errors. I am posting from my kindle, and the keypad is more of a challenge than my computer keyboard:) As a follow-up to my previous post, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and some highlights from our round of holiday celebrations. 

We have a lot of parties - starting at Thanksgiving, and, this year anyway, extending through tomorrow.  Most years I enter this season of celebration in a less than celebratory mood. The obligation to be at all these functions is overwhelming with work, church, school, and other normal life activities. This year, I have been determined to enjoy each thing as it comes. And, for the most part, I think I have succeeded with that. We have certainly had our harried moments. But each gathering has served to remind me how truly blessed we are. We have a large, loving, fun extended family - on both sides, that we are lucky to be able to spend time with. We have jobs at places filled with people who care about us and our lives. Our kids go to schools with teachers who give so much of themselves to their classes and community. All 6 of us have been healthy this year... We have enjoyed some amazing Christmas celebrations at our church and others. 

Last night was a very low key New Years for us. Over the years, we have run the gamut of parties. The bar scene, the crazy parties with friends, our OWN crazy parties, having friends with young families over for early nights... part (a small part!) of me really missed the hyper, get buzzed on a few drinks, parties of the past - I can't deny that. But most of me loved our quiet, movies on the couch celebration from last night. Our lives are not the same anymore. And some things may never be revisited. That's ok. But the loss of our "misspent youth" is still bittersweet. You've gotta grow up sometime I guess!

It wasn't an easy Christmas for us. We mourned a lost loved one. We missed family who couldn't make it to Michigan this year. We ached for sick loved ones. We struggled with normal coping mechanisms that are no longer crutches. But through all of this, there was more of a joy and peace than we have had in a very long time. God's grace rains down!! He has given me the will to make changes in my life. Do I push back and argue about what He asks of me? Of  course! Change is hard and it hurts. But it also soothes and comforts. It's been a good year. The hard road seems to be the path we must travel, but we don't travel it alone. Thank you for all your prayers and support this past year - we have felt your love surrounding us and lifting us up. We are blessed by each of you, and wish you all God's blessings on this new year!