Goodbye 2017

You have been a hard one.

The highs were few and far between, while the lows were much more frequent and severe.

When the year started pretty much everyone had nothing but high hopes for you. Not that 2016 was bad, but looking ahead at a new start, a new chapter, one unwritten and full of possibility brought about excitement. The excitement lasted for a bit, then reality hit. 

Almost everyone I've talked to is feeling beaten, bruised, and weak after a very long, hard and challenging year. This last year proved to be one that brought the worst out in everyone and everything around. Loss hit hard this year. Health issues arose for some. Financial hardship for others, from unexpected medical needs, to sudden loss of provisions. Division has run rampant. Satan's been fighting to keep God's people down in any way he possibly can. This year, he did a good job.

The year in our household started joyfully. We anticipated the arrival of our little girl. She came into this world 5 days early. A few months later, we would be blessed with the ability to move into a house that fit our family better. Midway through the year, I would accept a promotion at work.

The most amazing thing of 2017 has been watching our kiddos grow together. From the time June was born Andrew has been all about her. The affection returned as soon as she realized who he was. The bond those two share has been absolutely mind blowing. They are completely obsessed with each other and it's amazing to watch.

In the course of this year we had some hard good byes to say. God called some people Home. While we knew they were no longer bound by their earthly limitations, we were saddened by their presence being gone from us. Memories and stories are what will get us through until we will see them again one day.

So many different circumstances wore throughout the year. Financial, spiritual, health, and so much more. Just about everyone has their own battle that they faced last year. Each of us has our own story. As everything in our life, there is no competition. Each one of us face different circumstances and there is purpose in each and every one of them. We may not know what it is while we're here on the planet, but I am confident that one day we will see how our life weaves into His tapestry. At that time, we won't see the imperfect, chaotic underside of the tapestry, rather we will see the big picture.

With this we say our good byes to all that happened in 2017. We begin to look ahead to 2018. We pray that it is a better year. We are determined to ensure it will be. With fresh eyes we are looking toward God. Leaning in to hear what He has in store for us.

Happy new year's eve my friends. Here's to all that's in store for 2018.

Different feelings

The first week of December. The start to what is probably the busiest month of the year in our household. Between birthdays galore and holiday gatherings, it's been hard to remain focused on exactly what this season is about.

This year though.
It feels different.
For some unknown reason.

Typically the dread starts weeks ago. Sure, it felt like an impending certainty just lurking beyond. This year though, instead of coming in, overwhelming and smothering...it just dissolved.

The dread isn't hanging around my neck, waiting to drag me down to the deepest of depths. In it's place is joy. Joy coming from the faintest spark has begun to engulf more of me. Little by little it started. It's still slowly creeping, beginning to take hold of more and more.

Perhaps, for the first time in a long time, I'm seeing it through a kids perspective. Our almost 5 year old is a Christmas baby. It's radiating out of him this year. More than normal. And it is infectious.

Every Christmas song he hears, he instantly knows. Each decoration is pointed out and announced, as if he had hung them himself. All the little details that usually go unnoticed by me, brought to life. Given a new excitement. Watching the joy and excitement in his eyes, has lifted some of the dust off of mine.

This year, too, our focus has been different. Instead of where we need to go and when, it's been on what will be best for us and the kids. Focusing on family over the typical demands. Enjoying the small moments when we're urrounded by love.

So far this season, I've learned that focus on what really matters, makes all the difference.