A Year in Reflection

As 2013 draws to a close it provides an opportunity for reflection, a time to review choices that were made, events that happened and even family and friends that have left this earth and now reside forever in heaven awaiting the perfect reunion.

I have a Christmas Memories book that has housed almost 20 years of Christmas Memories in it. In fact I have only one year left before I need to get another one. Each year my family spends time reviewing the events, and time spent with various friends that have come and gone during the years and see just how much growth our family has gone through like anyone else.

The one thing I have noticed is that in the last 5 years, my family has really gone through immense storms. Ones that shook us to the core and truly tested our faith. During those times, we really wondered what God's purpose was in all of it and what good would come from them. Some of it we can see and some remains to be seen, but through it all, I can clearly see God's hand in every part of it. Looking back now, I can remember times of sheer sadness, a complete loss of control and a willingness to simply let go. I have seen that during some of those times, it is just what God wanted us to do.

Be willing to give it all up before He took over.

I can remember those darkest times when it felt God was silent.

When it was difficult to pray.

When life was difficult to get through.

Yet I am still here.

Thankfully with God's help I have emerged a stronger version of who I was in 2013 and before that.

Things I would have never dreamed I could handle, I have.

Fears that used to consume me are now calm waters. I don't fear them any longer.

Yet I know that things will change as they always do even as we draw near to the beginning of 2014.

God is calling me to draw closer to Him.

To spend time in His Word and really know the loving Father and Friend I so desperately need. I know that when I do that, I will not only become a stronger person now spiritually but physically this next year as I plan to spend the next few days reflecting on my word for 2014. My word for 2013 was Trust and God truly walked me through every detail that word could reflect and mean. I know now it isn't easy to trust in God at times, but in the end, the results are well worth it. I will share more with you tomorrow on the life lessons 2013 has shown me and where I believe God is calling me for 2014.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV